The Ukrainian state enterprise "East mining and enrichment plant" (VostGOK) in Dnepropetrovsk region ceases the sell of uranium abroad. All uranium mined will be send to the state reserve of nuclear materials and fresh fuel in Ukraine. Ukratomprom director general Andrey Derkach told about it on July 19. It will take 2-3 year to accumulate annual reserve of nuclear fuel and materials. Reserve will be formed partially from uranium, partially from finished fresh fuel to be made at Russian TVEL's enterprises.

Derkach confirmed that in the nearest future "VostGOK doesn't plan export of uranium".

According to expert's estimations given by the head of Ukrainian atomic corporation, uranium price will increase up to USA$ 500 per kg in 2009, so the priority for Ukraine will be accumulation of own uranium reserves and the use of this uranium in the situation, when it is economically profitable.

Annual needs of Ukrainian NPPs in uranium make 2,4 thousand tons, while own uranium mining makes only 0,8 thousand tons a year. VostGok being a participant of Ukratomprom is the only enterprise mining uranium on Ukraine territory.

Energoatom, operator of Ukrainian NPPs, operates 15 units with VVER-type reactors at 4 NPPs with total power of 13835 MW.

SOURCE: AtomInfo.Ru

DATE: July 26, 2007

Topics: Uranium, East Europe, Ukraine