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NATIONAL REPORTS: JORDAN

Jordan

Uranium exploration and mine development

Historical review

In 1980, an airborne spectrometric survey covering the entire country was undertaken and by 1988 ground-based radiometric surveys of anomalies identified in the airborne survey were completed. From 1988 to 1990, Precambrian basement and Ordovician sandstone target areas were evaluated using geological, geochemical and radiometric mapping and/or surveys.

During the 1990s, reconnaissance and exploration studies revealed surficial uranium deposits distributed in several areas of the country, as described below:

•Central Jordan: exploration, including 1 700 trenches and over 2 000 samples were analysed for uranium using a fluorometer, which revealed the occurrence of uranium deposits as minute mineral grains disseminated within fine calcareous Pleistocene sediments and as yellowish films of carnotite and other uranium minerals coating fractures of fragmented chalk or marl of Mastrichtian-Paleocene age. Results of channel sampling in three areas indicated uranium contents ranging from 140 to 2 200 ppm U3O8 (0.014% to 0.22% U3O8) over an average thickness of about 1.3 m, with overburden of about 0.5 m.

•Three uranium anomalous areas (Mafraq, Wadi Al-Bahiyyah and WadiSahabAlabyad) with potential for hosting uranium deposits were also covered by the reconnaissance studies.

In 2008, the Jordan Atomic Energy Commission (JAEC) was established, in accordance with the Nuclear Energy Law (Law No. 42) of 2007 and amendments of 2008. The JAEC is the official entity entrusted with the development and execution of the Jordanian nuclear power programme. The exploration, extraction and mining of all nuclear materials; including uranium, thorium, zirconium and vanadium is under the authority of JAEC.

The Nuclear Fuel Cycle Commission of JAEC is in charge of developing and managing all aspects of the nuclear fuel cycle; including uranium exploration, extraction, production, securing fuel supply and services, nuclear fuel management and radioactive waste management. The JAEC uranium policy is to maximise sovereignty while creating value from resources and to avoid concessions to foreign companies. To attract investors and operate on a commercial basis, JAEC created Jordan Energy Resources Inc. as its commercial arm.

In September 2008, JAEC signed an exploration agreement with Areva and created the Jordanian French Uranium Mining Company (JFUMC), a joint venture created to carry out all exploration activities and which led to a feasibility study of developing resources in the Central Jordan Area. In January 2009, JAEC signed a memorandum of understanding entitling Rio Tinto to carry out reconnaissance and prospecting in three areas (north of Al-Bahiyyah, Wadi SahbAlabiadh and Rewashid). Exploration activities by Jordanian teams in co-operation with the China Nuclear International Uranium Corporation were carried out in two other areas (Mafraq and Wadi Al-Bahiyyah).

NATIONAL REPORTS: JORDAN

During 2009-2010, JFUMC started the first phase of the exploration programme in the northern part of the central Jordan licence area that included geological mapping, a carborne radiometric survey, drilling, trenching, sampling, chemical analyses, development of an environmental impact assessment and a hydrogeological study and building a database inventory.

Recent and ongoing uranium exploration and mine development activities

During 2015-2016 the exploration programme carried out in the Central Jordan Area (CJA) included trenching, channel sampling (QA/QC), chemical analyses and JORC compliant resource estimation. In April 2016, the second JORC compliant report was prepared.

The estimated tonnages and average grade values at 80 ppm U cut-off grade in CJA were as follows: 11 620 tU at 0.0156% U in the surficial layer (0-5 m deep); 21 800 tU at 0.0127% eU in the deep layer (more than 5 m deep). The total estimated tonnage in CJA is about 33 420 tU.

Plans for 2017 include a trenching programme on a 100 x 100 m and 50 x 50 m grid in the selected mining areas to upgrade the resource category leading to pre-feasibility studies. Research on the heap leaching process to develop optimised extraction parameters will also continue.

Uranium resources

Identified conventional resources (reasonably assured and inferred resources)

Central Jordan Area

JORC compliant resource estimation includes 26 500 tU as inferred resource and 6 900 tU as (RAR) resource (in situ).

Hasa-Qatrana Area

In 2012, a preliminary resource estimation was carried out in this area, covering seven mineralised zones with a total in situ inferred resource of about 28 700 tU.

Undiscovered conventional resources (prognosticated and speculative resources)

No change (about 50 000 tU as speculative resources).

Unconventional resources and other materials

No change (about 100 000 tU in the phosphate deposits).

Uranium production

Historical review

Jordan does not currently produce uranium. In 1982, a feasibility study for uranium extraction from phosphoric acid was completed by an engineering company (Lurgi A.G. of Frankfurt, Germany) on behalf of the Jordan Fertiliser Industry Company; the company was subsequently purchased by the Jordan Phosphate Mines Company. One of the extraction processes evaluated was originally found to be economically feasible, but as uranium prices dropped in the 1990s, the process became uneconomic and construction of an extraction plant was deferred.

NATIONAL REPORTS: JORDAN

In 2009, SNC-Lavalin performed a technological and economic feasibility study for the recovery of uranium from the phosphoric acid produced at the Aqaba Fertilizer Complex. This study was performed jointly with Prayon Technologies SA. The profitability was evaluated to be 6.8% for the internal rate of return.

JAEC is currently conducting research to develop optimised extraction parameters including:

•research on dynamic alkaline leaching of central Jordan ore provided promising results of more than 80% recovery;

•planning for small alkaline heap demonstration project (few tons of ore);

•a pilot-scale, 6 m high, 0.5 m diameter, 6 column extraction facility was installed at the camp site. Experimental heap leaching process is being undertaken.

Status of production capability

Jordan does not have firm plans in place to produce uranium.

Uranium requirements

In 2010, Jordan announced plans to pursue the development of civil nuclear power, stating its intention to have four units in operation by 2040. Nuclear co-operation agreements have been signed with a number of countries, including Canada, China, France, Japan, Korea, Russia and the United Kingdom. In 2011, it was reported that Jordan would be receiving bids from nuclear power plant vendors. Currently, the kingdom imports over 95% of its energy needs and disruptions in natural gas supply from Egypt have reportedly cost Jordanians more than USD 1 million a day.

Despite the need to generate electricity by other means, the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant has created some local resistance to the plan to have one 700-1 200 MWe reactor operating by 2020 and a second unit of similar size by 2025. This has created some issues in site selection for the planned reactor construction.

Applying exclusion and discretionary criteria, a country-wide survey was carried out and a proposed site (2.5 km2) was selected for the construction of the NPP. Currently, detailed studies are being carried out to evaluate and characterise the selected site, as well as other studies related to the construction and operation of the NPP.

National policies related to uranium

With Jordan’s intention to develop a peaceful atomic energy programme for generating electricity and water desalination, JAEC reactivated uranium exploration in the country with the goal of achieving some energy self-sufficiency.

Uranium exploration and development expenditures and drilling effort – domestic

(JOD [Jordanian dinars])

NATIONAL REPORTS: JORDAN

Reasonably assured conventional resources by production method

(tonnes U*)

* In situ resources.

Reasonably assured conventional resources by processing method

(tonnes U*)

*In situ resources.

**A subset of open-pit and underground mining, since it is used in conjunction with them.

Reasonably assured conventional resources by deposit type

(tonnes U*)

* In situ resources.

Inferred conventional resources by production method

(tonnes U*)

* In situ resources.

Inferred conventional resources by processing method

(tonnes U*)

*In situ resources.

**A subset of open-pit and underground mining, since it is used in conjunction with them.

NATIONAL REPORTS: KAZAKHSTAN

Kazakhstan

Uranium exploration

Historical review

Since the beginning of uranium exploration in 1944 in Kazakhstan, about 60 uranium deposits have been identified in six uranium ore provinces – Shu-Sarysu, Syrdarya, Northern Kazakhstan, Caspian, Balkhash and Ili.

By the late 1970s, unique deposits suitable for uranium mining by in situ leaching (ISL), such as Inkai, Mynkuduk, Moinkum, Kanzhugan and North and South Karamurun, were discovered.

Recent and ongoing uranium exploration and mine development activities

During 2015 and 2016, exploration was undertaken at Uvanas, Moinkum, Inkai, Budenovskoye in the Shu-Sarysu Uranium Province and in the Northern Kharasan and Zarechnoye deposits in the Syrdaria Uranium Province.

JV Katco has completed ISL pilot mining at the southern part of site No. 2 (Tortkuduk) of the Moinkum deposit and the uranium resources will be presented for review to the State Resource Committee of Kazakhstan.

The Akbastau JSC completed the exploration and ISL pilot production at site No. 4 of the Budenovskoye deposit in 2015 and have proceeded to commercial production.

The Karatau LLP completed additional exploration, which resulted in a transfer of inferred resources to reasonably assured resources at site No. 2 of the Budenovskoye deposit in 2015

JV Inkai has completed the exploration and ISL pilot production at site No. 3 of the Inkai deposit and will begin additional exploration at site No. 2 of the Inkai deposit.

During 2015 and 2016, NAC Kazatomprom JSC explored and re-evaluated resources at the Uvanas deposit and at site No. 3 of the Moinkum deposit by the Kazatomprom-SaUran LLP, which merged Taukent Mining Chemical Plant LLP and Stepnoye Mining Group LLP.

The Kyzylkum LLP and the Baiken-U LLP have exploration activities at the Northern Kharasan deposit.

The Zarechnoye JSC are undertaking additional exploration and re-evaluation resources at the Zarechnoye deposit.

NAC Kazatomprom JSC has restarted exploration and ISL pilot production at the Zhalpak deposit in 2017.

In October 2015, NAC Kazatomprom JSC obtained the contract for the exploration on the new part of the Budenovskoye deposit, sites No. 6 and No. 7. Prognosticated resources are about 70 000 tU. Since 2017, a new enterprise the Bydenovskoye LLP started prospection and exploration of these sites.

NATIONAL REPORTS: KAZAKHSTAN

The Volkovgeology JSC renewed geological prospecting of sandstone-type deposits amenable for ISL mining in new perspective areas of the Shu-Sarysu uranium provinces with funding from the NAC Kazatomprom JSC budget.

Identified uranium resources increased by 12 769 tU as a result of geological exploration in sandstone deposits from 2015-2016. However, this is offset by depletion during the same period resulting in an overall decrease in identified resources of 41 602 tU. The total increase of 117 784 tU reported for reasonably assured resources is a result of additional resources being added through exploration and transfer of inferred resources to the reasonably assured resources classification. A depletion of 37 330 tU during the same time period results in a net increase of 80 454 tU for RAR during this reporting period. A decrease of inferred resources by 105 015 tU is reported as a result of resources being reclassified from inferred to reasonably assured resources and depletion of 17 041 tU in the inferred resources category resulted in an overall decrease of 122 056 tU for inferred resources reported as of 1 January 2017.

The resource increases occurred at the Budenovskoye (sites No. 2 and No. 4), Inkai (sites No. 3), Moinkun (site No. 3) and Northern Kharasan (site Kharasan-1) deposits.

No uranium exploration and development was performed by Kazakh enterprises outside of Kazakhstan.

Uranium resources

Identified conventional resources (reasonably assured and inferred resources)

As of 1 January 2017, identified uranium resources recoverable at a cost <USD 260/kgU amounted to 1 031 331 tU, including 718 284 tU of resources amenable for ISL recovery. The resource estimates are “net” and depletion is taken into consideration.

In the two-year period from 2015-2016, a total of 48 495 tU was produced by ISL. Considering losses during mining (6 853 tU or 12.6%), 54 371 tU of resources were depleted (37 330 tU – reasonably assured and 17 041 tU – inferred).

Underground mining at the Vostok and Zvezdnoye deposits was stopped.

Identified uranium resources increased by 12 769 tU as a result of geological exploration in sandstone deposits from 2015-2016. An increase of 117 784 tU is reported for reasonably assured resources while a decrease of inferred resources by 105 015 tU was reported because of resources reclassified from inferred to reasonably assured resources.

There were significant changes in cost categories owing to devaluation of the national currency – tenge. Thus, the amount of resources recoverable at <USD 40/kg U increased from 109 523 tU (as of 1 January 2015) to 540 504 tU (as of 1 January 2017).

In Kazakhstan, 95% of all identified uranium resources (RAR plus IR) recoverable at <USD 40/kgU are associated with existing and committed production centres, whereas 94% recoverable at <USD 80/kgU are in existing and committed production centres, 71% recoverable at <USD 130/kgU are in existing and committed production centres and 66% recoverable at <USD 260/kgU are in existing and committed production centres.

Undiscovered conventional resources (prognosticated and speculative resources)

Re-evaluation of prognosticated and speculative resources was completed in the reporting period.

The majority (229 053 tU) of the total of 230 583 tU of prognosticated resources are related to sandstone deposits, while the remaining 2 000 tU are metasomatite deposits. Of the 300 000 tU of speculative resources, 90% are related to sandstone deposits and 10% to unconformity-related or metasomatite deposits.

NATIONAL REPORTS: KAZAKHSTAN

Prognosticated resources assessment methodology of uranium sandstone deposits for ISL production is based on a linear productivity (amount of uranium per unit length of the border zone of formation pinching out in the oxidation zone) and considering reduction factors that consider the variability of linear productivity, including intermittency and variability of the mineralisation width of the ore zone.

Unconventional resources and other materials

Estimates are not made of Kazakhstan’s unconventional uranium resources and other materials.

Uranium production

Historical review

The growth of uranium production in Kazakhstan is connected with the discovery of sandstone-type deposits of uranium, suitable for ISL mining, which is one of the cheapest methods of uranium mining and has a minimal impact on the environment.

Production capability and recent and ongoing activities

Over the two-year period from 2015-2016, uranium production was 48 495 tU.

Uranium was mined at the Kanzhugan, Moinkum, Akdala, Uvanas, Mynkuduk, Inkai, Budenovskoye, North and South Karamurun, Irkol, Zarechnoye, Semizbay, Northern Kharasan deposits. All uranium deposits were mined by in situ leaching acid technique.

Shu-Sarysu uranium province

The Uvanas, Mynkuduk (Eastern and Central sites), Kanzhugan, Moinkum (the southern part of site No. 1 and site No. 3) deposits are operated by NAC Kazatomprom JSC through the Ortalyk LLP and Kazatomprom-SaUran LLP (uniting Stepnoye Mining Group LLP and Taukent Mining Chemical Plant LLP) enterprises. NAC Kazatomprom JSC starts ISL pilot production at the Zhalpak deposit in 2017.

JV Katco LLP took part in the operation of the Moinkum deposit (northern part of sites No. 1 [Southern] and site No. 2 [Tortkuduk]).

JV Inkai LLP operates the Inkai deposit (sites No. 1 and 2) and since 2018 commercial production started at sites No. 3 of the Inkai deposit.

Appak LLP is developing the western site of the Mynkuduk deposit.

JV Akbastau JSC operates the deposit Budennovskoye (sites No. 1, No. 3 and No. 4), Karatau LLP develops the Budenovskoye deposit (site No. 2), and processes the solutions extracted from the sites No. 1 and No. 3 of Budennovskoye deposit.

JV South Mining Chemical Company LLP operated the Akdala and Inkai (site No. 4) deposits.

Syrdarya uranium province

NAC Kazatomprom JSC through the Mining Group-6 LLP operated the North and South Karamurun deposits.

The Irkol deposit was developed by Semizbay-U LLP and Baiken-U LLP carries out uranium production at the Northern Kharasan (site Kharasan-2) deposit.

Khorasan-U LLP operated the Northern Kharasan (site Kharasan-1) deposit, and processing is carried out by Kyzylkum LLP.

NATIONAL REPORTS: KAZAKHSTAN

JV Zarechnoye JSC developed Zarechnoye deposit, the licence for the South Zarechnoye deposit ceased operation in November 2013 because of a lack of commercial viability.

The company Balausa LLP is developing the uranium-vanadium Bala-Sauskandykskoye deposit by open-pit mining. By-product uranium from mining, amounting to about 0.7 tU (2015-2016) is not processed.

Northern Kazakhstan uranium province

Stepnogorsk Mining Chemical Complex LLP stopped production at the Vostok and Zvezdnoe deposits and the mine was closed.

Semizbay-U LLP operates the Semizbay deposit utilising the in situ leach acid method.

As of 1 January 2017, the total capacity of uranium production centres in Kazakhstan was 25 000 tU/yr.

Uranium production at ISL mines in Kazakhstan is carried out using sulphuric acid to produce pregnant uraniferous solutions. Further processing of pregnant solutions using ion-exchange sorption-elution technologies produces a uranyl salts precipitate that, with further extraction refining, results in the production of natural uranium concentrate.

A number of mining enterprises (Appak LLP, Karatau LLP, JV South Mining Chemical Company LLP, Inkai LLP, Baiken-U LLP) obtain natural uranium concentrate by sedimentation of uranium using hydrogen peroxide and further calcination without an extraction stage.

Ownership structure of the uranium industry

In 2016, the state share of uranium production in Kazakhstan was 53% (13 175 tU), including 33% from NAC Kazatomprom owing to its partnership in joint ventures and 20% – from its own production by NAC Kazatomprom, a 100% state-owned company, through the Samruk-Kazyna JSC national wealth fund.

The NAC Kazatomprom JSC includes the following production centres: KazatompromSaUran LLP, Mining Group-6 LLP, and Ortalyk LLP, all of which produce uranium by ISL.

In April 2015, the production centres Taukent Mining and Chemical Plant LLP and Stepnoye Mining Group LLP merged into Kazatomprom-SaUran LLP.

In 2016, NAC Kazatomprom had shares in 12 joint ventures with private companies from Canada, Japan and Kyrgyzstan (JV Inkai LLP, Appak LLP, Kyzylkum LLP, Khorasan-U LLP, Baiken-U LLP, JV Zarechnoe JSC, JV Budennovskoye LLP), and with foreign state companies from China, Russia and France (Semizbai-U LLP, JV Katco LLP, YuGHK LLP, JV Akbastau JSC, Karatau LLP, JV Zarechnoe JSC, Kyzylkum LLP, Khorasan-U LLP).

The company Balausa LLP belongs to a foreign private company.

In 2016, the production share of private foreign companies in Kazakhstan amounted to 17%, while the share of state foreign companies in Kazakhstan amounted to 30% of total production.

Employment in the uranium industry

For the purpose of obtaining qualified personnel of required specialties, NAC Kazatomprom JSC co-operates with 25 universities and 11 colleges of the Republic of Kazakhstan and neighbouring countries. This co-operation includes engagement of two local training centres in Shieli village, Kyzylordinskaya oblast, and Taukent village, South-Kazakhstan oblast for training and retraining of local employees. The specialist universities have opened departments in new areas unique for the Republic of Kazakhstan including fuel assemblies and refineries. New professions have also been introduced such as fuel assembly plant operator and refinery plant operator.