The Secretariat of the Pugwash Committee of Kazakhstan (PCK) reports that on May 13–15, 2026, the XII International Scientific and Practical Conference “Development of the Uranium and Rare Metals Industry” was held in Almaty at the premises of the Kazakh-British Technical University (KBTU). Organized by JSC National Atomic Company Kazatomprom, this major industry event became an international platform for professional dialogue among representatives of leading companies, scientific institutions, government agencies, and expert organizations from 34 countries, including Kazakhstan, Russia, the United States, Canada, Japan, Türkiye, Malaysia, and others.
The conference program included seven thematic sessions covering a broad range of topics: geology, uranium mining and processing, digitalization of industrial processes, development of the rare metals industry, ESG issues, and international technological cooperation. The broad international participation demonstrated the strong interest of the global professional community in the development of nuclear energy, the uranium industry, and strategically important materials.
Prominent scientists and experts, including members of the Pugwash Committee of Kazakhstan, actively participated in the forum. Among them were:
— Professor Chokan T. Laumulin, KBTU and Research Associate at the University of Cambridge (Moderator of the Plenary Session);
— Talgat M. Zhantikin, Deputy Chairman of the Atomic Energy Association under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan;
— Marat T. Gabdullin, Rector of KBTU;
— Professor Irina L. Tazhibayeva, Chairperson of the Board of the Nuclear Society of Kazakhstan Association;
— Baurzhan M. Ibrayev, Chairman of the World Association of Nuclear Energy Professionals under the Nuclear Society of Kazakhstan Association;
— Professor Zhumabay A. Mansurov from the Institute of Combustion Problems of the Committee of Science of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan;
— PhD Marat K. Baipakov from the Institute of Combustion Problems of the Committee of Science of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan;
— Seit A. Aliyev, Director of the International Center for Advanced Technologies “Future Energy” under the Nuclear Society of Kazakhstan Association.
Within Session 3, “Technologies and Current Challenges of the Front-End Nuclear Fuel Cycle: Conversion and Nuclear Fuel Production” (Moderator: B.M. Ibrayev).
Professor Z.A. Mansurov and PhD M.K. Baipakov presented an expert report and accompanying paper entitled “Thorium in Kazakhstan: Prospects for Its Use in Nuclear Energy.” The presentation focused on the application of innovative reactor technologies to support the development of reliable and sustainable nuclear power.
Within Session 6, “Sustainable Development (ESG), Legal, Macroeconomic and Educational Aspects of the Nuclear Industry”.
A. Aliyev delivered a presentation entitled “Formation of Public Awareness within the Framework of State Policy on the Use of Atomic Energy.”
Participants emphasized the importance of further strengthening international scientific and technical cooperation, implementing innovative solutions, and training a new generation of specialists to ensure the sustainable development of the uranium and rare metals industries.
Approximately 1,000 participants attended the conference. The event became an important platform for discussing current challenges and emerging technologies in the uranium and rare metals sectors and reaffirmed its role as a venue for cooperation among science, industry, and education.
Additional information is available on the official websites of Kazatomprom and the conference organizers. www.kazatomprom.kz and uranconference.kz