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KABUL – French President Emmanuel Macron has begun a high-stakes strategic mission to Kazakhstan in the wake of losing minerals-rich Niger. Macron’s visit to this uranium-rich Kazakhstan marks the initial step of his journey through Central Asia, a region of renewed Western interest due to the Ukrainian conflict’s impact on Russia’s influence. His primary objective: securing essential raw materials and exploring the potential for a lucrative nuclear power plant contract.
However, this move has raised concerns among many in Kazakhstan, as highlighted by Jan van der Made’s reporting. Kazakhstan, known for its abundant oil reserves, has already emerged as an alternative supplier of crude oil to European nations, particularly those seeking to reduce their reliance on Russian resources. It also plays a crucial role in the new China-Europe trade route that circumvents Russia.
During his meeting with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Macron commended Astana for its decision not to align with Moscow on the Ukrainian issue. Both leaders expressed their intent to forge significant business agreements, aiming to address vital international issues and emphasize their commitment to the United Nations charter and principles such as territorial integrity and national sovereignty.
Yet, it is Kazakhstan’s substantial uranium resources that have captured Macron’s attention. According to a recent report by the World Nuclear Association (WNA), published in August of this year, Kazakhstan possesses approximately 12 percent of the world’s uranium resources. In 2021, it produced around 21,800 tons of uranium, becoming the world’s leading uranium producer in 2009 with nearly 28 percent of global production. By 2019, the country had expanded its uranium production to a remarkable 43 percent of the world’s total output.
