Kazakhstan, Japan team up on nuclear

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TOKYO, May 6 (UPI) -- Kazakhstan and Japan have signed a deal to work together on atomic energy.

Kazakh Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Sauat Mynbayev and Japanese Deputy Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Kanae Yamamoto signed the memorandum of understanding on strategic partnership in peaceful uses of atomic energy, the Daily News Bulletin reported.

"This memorandum will strengthen our cooperation in the joint production and dressing of uranium ore," Yamamoto said.

She said Japan is investing in uranium mining in the Kharasan and Zapadny sectors of the Mynkuduk field, which is set to open in June.

Kazakhstan's Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry said this lays the foundation for 24 atomic energy projects, including some involving reactor technologies and the production of nuclear fuel.

The three other bilateral documents that were signed during Mynbayev's visit to Japan include a protocol on the development of Kharasan-1 and Kharasan-2 uranium blocs, a confirmation of the agreement between Kazatomprom, Sumitomo Corp., Kansai Electric Power Corp. and Appak on the development of the Zapadny sector of the Mynkuduk field and an agreement between Itochu and Kazatomprom on supplies of uranium concentrate.