China and Russia have agreed to deepen cooperation on uranium exploration, mining, and processing technologies as part of their expanding nuclear energy partnership. The initiative was announced after a high-level visit by a delegation from the Chinese Academy of Sciences to Russia. The visit focused on operations at the Priargunsky Industrial Mining and Chemical Union (PIMCU) in Russia’s Trans-Baikal region.
The delegation visited Russia’s largest uranium-producing enterprise, PIMCU, described as a key asset within Rosatom’s mining division. The cooperation is intended to support scientific exchange and technological innovation. It also aims to contribute to long-term development of uranium resources used to expand nuclear power generation in both countries.
Chinese Academy of Sciences delegation tours uranium production sites
The Chinese delegation was led by He Hongping, Vice President of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. It included specialists in geology, geophysics, rock mechanics, and mineral resource development. During the visit, experts toured major uranium mining facilities in Russia.
The delegation examined mining operations, extraction technologies, and ore-processing methods used by the Russian nuclear industry. Among the sites visited were the Tulukui and Krasny Kamen open-pit mines, identified as key contributors to Russia’s uranium production. The delegation also reviewed construction progress for Mine No. 6.
In addition to mine visits, the delegation looked at a modern heap-leaching facility designed to process low-grade uranium ores more efficiently. The tour provided an opportunity for both sides to review operational practices. It also served to identify areas where scientific collaboration and technological integration could be applied.
Collaboration scope includes geological surveying and exploration methods
A central element of the agreement is closer cooperation in uranium exploration and geological surveying. Russian and Chinese specialists plan to work together on improving exploration methodologies. They will also share geological data and develop techniques for identifying and evaluating uranium resources.
Both sides linked the work to growing global demand for nuclear fuel. They said the ability to discover and develop new uranium deposits is increasingly important for long-term energy security and resource sustainability. The partnership is expected to enable exchanges between research institutions and mining companies.
The stated goal is to help scientists address common geological challenges. It also aims to improve the accuracy of resource assessments through shared expertise and coordinated research efforts.
Technology cooperation targets processing of low-grade uranium ores
The agreement includes joint development of technologies for processing low-grade and substandard uranium ores. The initiative addresses deposits with lower uranium concentrations than traditional high-grade resources. Such conditions are described as making extraction technically challenging and economically demanding.
Russian and Chinese researchers plan to collaborate on approaches intended to improve recovery rates. They will also focus on optimizing extraction processes and enhancing overall production efficiency. The work is expected to support efforts that could increase recoverable reserves while reducing operational costs.
The collaboration is also framed around unlocking additional uranium resources that were previously considered uneconomic to develop. It emphasizes the role of advanced scientific solutions in improving resource utilization during mining operations.
Geological similarities cited as basis for cross-border knowledge transfer
Representatives of PIMCU said uranium deposits in Russia and China share multiple geological characteristics. They described these similarities as creating favorable conditions for scientific cooperation. The rationale presented is that exploration and extraction challenges faced by one country can be relevant to the other.
By combining research expertise with operational experience, both sides expect faster development of practical solutions for a range of uranium projects. Industry observers referenced in the source material said collaborations based on comparable geological environments can support more efficient transfer of technologies and methodologies between regions.
PIMCU role in yellowcake supply within Rosatom’s nuclear fuel cycle
PIMCU is described as a cornerstone of Russia’s uranium mining sector and one of the largest industrial enterprises in the Trans-Baikal region. Its primary mission is producing uranium oxide concentrate, commonly known as yellowcake. The concentrate is then processed and enriched within Rosatom’s integrated nuclear infrastructure.
The enriched material is used in nuclear power generation, according to the source material. As Russia’s flagship uranium producer, PIMCU is positioned as supporting domestic and international nuclear projects through raw material supply. The agreement with China is presented as extending cooperation beyond traditional mining toward broader scientific research and technology development.
Nuclear power demand is cited in relation to securing access to uranium resources and improving mining efficiency as strategic priorities. The partnership is described as reflecting increased importance of uranium for long-term energy security alongside low-carbon electricity generation.
