Today a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Institute of Nuclear Physics and the Ulba Metallurgical Plant in Ust-Kamenogorsk. The parties announced mutually beneficial cooperation in the field of peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
Common goals for the use of peaceful atoms and contribution to the development of nuclear energy in the Republic of Kazakhstan were reflected in the Memorandum between two organizations. Combining the technological capabilities of UMP and the scientific-experimental capabilities of the INP is the basis of the document.
The Ulba Metallurgical Plant is one of the world's recognized producers of uranium, beryllium, tantalum and niobium products. UMP is three production facilities on one industrial site with testing and research centers, a design-engineering institute, a number of auxiliary production facilities, a subsidiary “Ulba-TVS” LLP and “MASHZAVOD” LLP for production of fuel assemblies. Since 1997, the plant has been part of the National Atomic Company “Kazatomprom”, which represents the interests of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the markets of nuclear fuel and rare metals.
The concluded document envisages the creation of a working group of scientists from both sides on cooperation in the field of peaceful use of atomic energy. The extensive experience of the Institute of Nuclear Physics and the Ulba Metallurgical Plant will make the concluded union productive and highly scientific. Cooperation involves the implementation of specific projects for development of atom peaceful use. For example, the parties discussed the possibility of introducing the INP developments into the production cycle at the JSC UMP; manufacturing large-scale nuclear reactor components from beryllium and beryllides (titanium, chromium, tantalum, molybdenum, etc.) and plate fuel assemblies for a new research reactor, and uranium targets for the production of medical radioisotopes. The representatives of the enterprises are confident that the signed Memorandum will open new horizons for the development of science in nuclear energy in our country.
Chairman of the Board of the JSC Ulba Metallurgical Plant Sergei Bezhetskiy: – The work of our enterprises is entirely based on the use of peaceful atoms. The IAEA Low-Enriched Uranium Bank has been opened on the territory of UMP. Our plant also carried out a project on reprocessing of a single batch of non-irradiated highly enriched nuclear material from the National Nuclear Center into low-enriched material. We launched a plant for the production of fuel assemblies - a breakthrough innovative project, and this allowed the JSC “NAC Kazatomprom” to enter a limited circle of participants in the market of fuel manufacturers for nuclear power plants. I am confident that our efficient cooperation and combined scientific potential will lead to concrete results and contribute to the country’s economy.
General Director of the Institute Sayabek Sakhiyev:
– The Institute of Nuclear Physics is the leading organization of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the field of radiation and nuclear technologies, which also strives to enter the pool of leading research institutes in the world. In recent years, the Institute has been ranked first in the number of publications in international publications among research institutes in Kazakhstan. The Institute operates nuclear and radiation facilities, and also has highly qualified personnel capable to conduct R&D at a high quality level. The Institute has plans to expand its experimental base. In particular, the creation of new accelerators for production of medical radioisotopes and scientific applications, the construction of a new research reactor to preserve and enhance nuclear competencies. Today’s signing of the Memorandum will allow us to combine production and science, which will become a driver for the development of the peaceful use of nuclear energy in the Republic of Kazakhstan. We would like to express our deep gratitude to the Chairman of the Board of the JSC Ulba Metallurgical Plant Sergei Bezhetskiy and the whole team for the warm welcome and constructive discussion of plans for mutually beneficial cooperation.
During the visit to the Ulba Metallurgical Plant, the Institute’s delegation visited the main production facilities and the museum.
