OREANDA-NEWS. October 2, 2009. Atomrednetzoloto OJSC (ARMZ) has reconsidered its uranium production forecast for 2009 and expects increase as compared with 2008, Vice President of ARMZ Alexander Boytsov said during a press-conference in Moscow on Thursday.

In 2008 ARMZ (with its Kazakhstan-based assets inclusive) mined 3,687 tons of uranium. This year it is planning to mine 27.3% more – 4,693 tons. The revision is response to the changes Kazakhstan has made in its production plans. According to the last forecast, Kazakhstan may produce 12,000 tons this year.

The growth in the output is due to Kazakhstan-based Karatau JV (700 tons) and Akbastau JV (150 tons). Zarechny JV is expected to produce 232 tons against 166 tons in 2008. Russia-based Dalur and Khiagda are planning to mine 460 tons and 151 tons, respectively against respective 410 tons and 61 tons in 2008.

Earlier, ARMZ forecasted 12% growth in uranium production in 2009.