(24 February 2026 | Source: Open NLA portal)
The Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Atomic Energy has published a draft order approving a standard contract for uranium mining. The document has been posted on the Open NLA portal for public consultation until 6 March 2026.
WHAT HAPPENED
The draft order “On approval of the standard contract for uranium mining” has been posted on the Open NLA portal. It has been prepared in accordance with paragraph 1 of Article 36 of the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Subsoil and Subsoil Use”.
The document aims to standardise contract terms in a sector of strategic importance for the country and to establish mandatory requirements for new uranium mining agreements.
WHAT OBLIGATIONS ARE PROPOSED
The standard contract form is a comprehensive document that regulates the legal status of the subsoil user, the duration of agreements, and the spatial boundaries of subsoil plots.
The draft provides for mandatory contributions:
- 1% of mining costs — for the training and professional development of Kazakhstani personnel;
- 1% — for research and development (R&D) work, as well as digitalisation;
- 1% — for the socio-economic development of the mining region.
These provisions are proposed to be made mandatory for all new contracts in the sector.
REQUIREMENTS FOR LOCALISATION AND THE ENVIRONMENT
The document introduces requirements for compliance with minimum shares of in-country value. This refers to the priority hiring of Kazakhstani personnel and the use of domestic goods and services.
It is assumed that setting specific threshold values in the standard contract will create more certain conditions for domestic manufacturers and service companies operating in the nuclear industry.
A separate section is devoted to issues of environmental and radiation safety. The draft provides for obligations to conserve subsoil plots and to eliminate the consequences of mining after work is completed.
These measures are designed to minimise environmental risks and ensure land restoration at the companies’ expense.
LIABILITY AND TERMINATION
The draft establishes a system of material liability for violation of the contract terms. The amounts of penalties are proposed to be calculated in monthly calculation indices (MCI) or as a percentage of the amount of unfulfilled obligations.
In addition, a clear procedure for terminating the contract in the event of systematic violations by the subsoil user has been defined.
HOW THE CONSULTATION IS PROCEEDING
The draft is at the stage of public online consultation on the Open NLA portal. Interested representatives of businesses, the expert community, and public organisations can send their comments and suggestions until 6 March 2026.
The final version of the document will be formulated based on the results of the consultation.