Kazakhstan has signed new natural uranium supply contract deal with major energy companies in India and China, strengthening its position in the global nuclear fuel supply chain as demand for nuclear power continues to grow.
The agreements were disclosed following a meeting between Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Meirzhan Yussupov, Chairman of the Management Board of National Atomic Company Kazatomprom, on November 3, 2026. During the meeting, Yussupov briefed the president on the company’s operations, international partnerships and progress in implementing its 2025-2034 development strategy.
The new contracts form part of Kazatomprom‘s strategy to expand cooperation with major international nuclear industry players and diversify its uranium export markets. However, the company and government have not disclosed the identities of the Indian and Chinese buyers, contract values, uranium volumes or delivery schedules.
The Kazakhstan uranium deal also come as both India and China pursue nuclear energy expansion to meet rising electricity demand. This is also in a bid to diversify their energy mixes and strengthen long-term energy security.
Kazatomprom expands uranium supply partnerships
Additionally, the new contracts build on earlier agreements and negotiations that have progressively strengthened Kazakhstan’s commercial relationships with Asian nuclear energy markets.
In February 2026, Kazatomprom disclosed an agreement with the Directorate of Purchase and Stores (DPS) of India’s Department of Atomic Energy for the sale of natural uranium concentrate in the form of uranium oxide (U3O8), with physical delivery to India. The transaction was subsequently submitted for shareholder consideration because of its significant value relative to the company’s assets.
On the Chinese side, Kazatomprom announced in August 2026 that it had reached an agreement to sell uranium concentrate to the State Nuclear Uranium Resource Development Company (SNURDC). SNURDC is a subsidiary of State Power Investment Corporation (SPIC). The proposed supply arrangement involves delivery to China’s Alashankou railway station.
Although the November announcement does not explicitly identify the counterparties, the earlier disclosures demonstrate the agility of Kazatomprom’s commercial engagement with both markets.
Kazakhstan strengthens uranium production and resource development
The new export agreements also come as Kazakhstan works to strengthen its uranium production capacity and secure its position as a major supplier of nuclear fuel raw materials.
Kazatomprom is also conducting geological exploration across six sites covering more than 1,000 square kilometers. The company also plans to begin exploration at the prospective Kyzyltu site, which covers approximately 124 square kilometers.
Furthermore, the exploration program is intended to strengthen the company’s resource base and support its longer-term production and development objectives.
Kazatomprom is also investing in research aimed at improving uranium production efficiency. The company is also developing technologies for the associated recovery of rare and rare-earth metals. These initiatives could also expand the value generated from its mineral resources while improving the efficiency of its mining operations.
Additionally, the company’s 2025-2034 Development Strategy provides the framework for expanding its operations. The framework strengthens its technological capabilities and maintaining its position in international uranium markets.
Strategic uranium reserve to support Kazakhstan’s nuclear power ambitions
Alongside its international supply commitments, Kazakhstan is developing a state strategic uranium reserve. This is with the aim of securing long-term fuel supplies for its planned domestic nuclear power program.
The initiative is intended to support nuclear power plants in Kazakhstan and reduce exposure to potential disruptions in international uranium markets.
According to Kazakhstan’s Atomic Energy Agency, the longer-term strategy envisages reserving at least 150,000 tons of uranium by 2050. The proposed reserve is also expected to incorporate several levels of supply security. This will include uranium deposits remaining underground, physical stocks of natural uranium and reserves of manufactured nuclear fuel.
Kazakhstan’s government is also targeting the establishment of the strategic reserve by the end of 2027.
Furthermore, the initiative comes as Kazakhstan advances plans to construct its first two nuclear power plants. The first, the 2,400 MW Balkhash nuclear power plant, is being developed with Russia’s Rosatom and is expected to feature two VVER-1200 reactors. China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) has been selected to lead development of a second nuclear power facility.
Additionally, the nuclear expansion program is expected to increase the country’s long-term uranium requirements. This will make resource development and fuel supply security increasingly important.
Kazakhstan consolidates position in global nuclear fuel supply chain
Kazakhstan has been the world’s largest uranium producer since 2009, accounting for approximately 40% of global uranium production in 2025. The country produced around 25,839 tons of uranium during the year, supported by its extensive mineral resources and established in-situ recovery mining operations.
Its expanding commercial relationships with India and China also provide an additional route for strengthening its position in the international nuclear fuel market.
For India and China, the Kazakhstan uranium deal also provide access to uranium resources from one of the world’s most established producers at a time when both countries are pursuing long-term nuclear generation expansion.
For Kazakhstan, the contracts complement its domestic nuclear construction ambitions. It also supports the country’s resource exploration program and plans to establish a uranium reserve.
The combination of expanding export partnerships and investment in domestic nuclear infrastructure could therefore position Kazakhstan as an increasingly important participant across the international nuclear energy supply chain.
Kazakhstan uranium supply contract deal with India and China: Key Facts
Principal company: Kazatomprom
Announcement: November 3, 2026
Indian market: Major Indian energy companies. Also involved India’s Department of Atomic Energy, through its Directorate of Purchase and Stores.
Chinese market: State Nuclear Uranium Resource Development Company (SNURDC)
Product: Natural uranium and uranium concentrate (U3O8)
Strategic development: Expansion of uranium exploration and production capacity.
Resource exploration: Six sites covering more than 1,000 km2
Additional exploration site: Kyzyltu, covering 124 km2
Strategic uranium reserve: At least 150,000 tons targeted by 2050
Related domestic nuclear program: Balkhash and Moyinkum nuclear power plants
Development strategy: Kazatomprom 20252034
Stakeholders behind the Kazakhstan uranium deal with China and India
Kazatomprom – National uranium producer, supplier and contracting company
Government of Kazakhstan – National nuclear resource and export policy
Samruk-Kazyna – Kazakhstan’s sovereign wealth fund and majority shareholder in Kazatomprom
India’s Department of Atomic Energy – Indian government nuclear energy stakeholder
Directorate of Purchase and Stores (DPS) – Indian uranium procurement counterpart in the previously disclosed agreement
State Nuclear Uranium Resource Development Company (SNURDC) – Chinese uranium procurement and development company
State Power Investment Corporation (SPIC) – Parent company of SNURDC
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