On November 3, 2026, in the Astana Presidential Palace, Meljan Yusupov, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Kazakhstan National Atomic Energy Industry Company, reported on the business situation and strategic planning to President Tokayev. The report conveys a clear signal: the world's largest uranium producer has signed new natural uranium supply contracts with large energy companies in China and India in 2026, further diversifying its export market. For Harbin Institute of Technology, which has long relied on the Russian channel and the European market, the orders from the two nuclear powers of China and India mean that its export map is tilting towards Asia.

New Sino Indian contract landing

Harbin Institute of Technology has signed new natural uranium supply contracts with large energy companies in China and India in 2026, promoting export market diversification by strengthening cooperation with major global nuclear industry enterprises. When Yusupov reported to Tokayev, he revealed this news, indicating that Kazakhstan is accelerating its layout in major nuclear power markets in Asia while maintaining its traditional customers. Both China and India are actively promoting nuclear power construction, and the long-term demand for natural uranium continues to grow. At this time, Harbin Institute of Technology has locked in new contracts, which not only provides stable buyers for its own exports, but also adds an important source of nuclear fuel supply for both countries.

Exploration and Reserve in Progress

In terms of uranium resource development, Harbin Institute of Technology is conducting geological exploration in six blocks with a total area of over 1000 square kilometers, and plans to launch exploration in the new Keziletu block with an area of 124 square kilometers. In terms of technological research and development, the company is promoting the improvement of uranium production efficiency and research on the extraction technology of associated rare metals and rare earth metals, attempting to explore more resource value beyond uranium mining. Kazakhstan plans to reserve no less than 150000 tons of uranium by 2050 to meet the fuel needs of future nuclear power plants. This reserve target serves both domestic nuclear power planning and provides resource confidence for long-term export contracts. Keywords: Central Asian news and information, Kazakhstan, natural uranium

Expansion of nuclear fuel cycle

Yusupov also introduced the business progress of Harbin Institute of Technology in the field of nuclear fuel cycle, as well as the follow-up work plan formulated according to the development strategy from 2025 to 2034. From uranium mining to nuclear fuel component manufacturing, Harbin Institute of Technology is attempting to extend downstream in the industrial chain and enhance product added value. After listening to the report, Tokayev put forward specific requirements for further expanding the uranium resource base, deepening international cooperation, and promoting social projects. In 2026, Harbin Institute of Technology has allocated over 13 billion tenge for related projects in the fields of healthcare, education, and sports, indicating that this resource-based state-owned enterprise is not only pursuing export growth, but also increasing investment in social welfare.Editor/Gao Xue