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Kazakhstan, recognized as the world’s leading uranium producer, has entered into a strategic cooperation agreement with Rwanda, allowing it to import beryllium—a vital mineral widely used in nuclear energy. This agreement was facilitated by Kazakhstan's sovereign wealth fund, Samruk-Kazyna, and Rwanda’s Mines, Petroleum, and Gas Board (RMB).

The trade deal aligns with Kazakhstan’s ambition to secure key resources essential for its high-tech and energy sectors, especially through its national uranium company, Kazatomprom. The agreement was formalized during an official visit by Rwandan President Paul Kagame to Kazakhstan, where he met with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to discuss mutual cooperation across energy, technology, and resource sectors.

This partnership significantly boosts Rwanda’s standing in the global strategic minerals market. The resumption of beryllium exports by Rwanda on November 25, 2024, after a four-month suspension due to legal investigations, marked a turning point. The move not only reinstated Rwanda’s presence in the critical minerals trade but also attracted major international partnerships.

The Ulba Metallurgical Plant, a Kazatomprom subsidiary with a capacity to process 1,500 tons of beryllium annually, is now exploring the import of Rwandan beryllium, highlighting the mineral’s strategic importance and Rwanda’s potential as a reliable supplier.

Beryllium’s role in advanced technologies makes it an asset for countries like Kazakhstan. Known for its lightweight and durable properties, beryllium is utilized in defense, aerospace, and nuclear energy applications. In nuclear reactors, it acts as a neutron reflector, aiding in fission control, and is also found in X-ray equipment and fusion devices, serving as a protective barrier.

According to Samruk-Kazyna’s head, Nurlan Jakobov, the agreement not only advances mineral trade but also lays the groundwork for broader joint ventures in resource development and advanced technology solutions between the two nations.

In parallel, Kazakhstan continues to strengthen its dominance in the uranium sector. In 2024, Kazatomprom increased production by 10% to 23,270 tons, although sales dipped by 8%, totaling 16,670 tons. Despite the sales decline, the company benefited from a 27% rise in the average uranium price, reaching $69.72 per pound of uranium(III) oxide.

Holding a 22% global market share in uranium production and managing the world’s largest uranium reserves across 26 deposits, Kazatomprom remains central to global nuclear fuel supply chains. The new beryllium import deal with Rwanda complements its broader strategy to diversify resource sources and reinforce its position in the global nuclear energy sector.