French state-controlled nuclear power operator Areva signed a strategic agreement with the state of Kazakhstan.
In a statement, Areva said its Chief Executive Anne Lauvergeon and the president of Kazakh state-owned Kazatomprom Moukhtar Dzhakishev signed Wednesday in Paris an agreement protocol to strengthen their partnership
Under the terms of the protocol, Katco, a 51/49% joint venture between Areva and Kazatomprom, should produce 4,000 tons of uranium per year until 2039, sales of which will be made entirely by Areva.
Areva will also provide engineering assistance to build fuel fabrication lines in Kazatomprom's metallurgy plant in Ulba.
In the framework of a company jointly owned by Kazatomprom (51%) and Areva (49%), the installation will include a dedicated 400 tons/year line whose fuel pellets will be supplied by Kazatomprom.
Its production will be sold via a company owned jointly by Areva (51%) and Kazatomprom (49%).
The parties also agreed to develop Katco's social involvement in the region the company is located.