Logistics of international uranium supplies

Abstract

The article discusses the organization of uranium supplies from the Republic of Kazakhstan to France with an emphasis on logical, technological and regulatory aspects. Kazakhstan, being the largest producer of uranium in the world, provides about 40% of global supplies, while it does not have operating nuclear power plants, exporting all the extracted uranium. Special attention is paid to the existing routes for the supply of uranium to France, including the classic route through the port of St. Petersburg and the alternative through the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (Middle Corridor). The stages of the logistics supply chain are analyzed: from the extraction and primary processing of uranium to its transportation, customs clearance and transfer to French processing enterprises. The main challenges associated with multimodal transportation of radioactive materials, including compliance with international safety standards, are presented. The article substantiates the need to introduce modern digital solutions such as ERP and SCM systems, as well as to create a unified logistics information space (ELIP) to increase transparency, synchronize processes and minimize logistical risks.