The $150 million 3-year finance facility has been announced by a syndicate of international banks to CJSC NAC Kazatomprom, one of the world's largest uranium producer. To finance its production and export of natural uranium concentrate (U3O8) and to support the exploration and development of its uranium mines.

A syndicate of international banks signed the respective documentation on June 17, 2005. Citibank N.A. ("Citigroup") and Natexis Banques Populaires acting as Mandated Lead Arrangers and as Bookrunners for the syndication.

Citigroup and Natexis Banques Populaires acted as Bookrunners for the syndication, which was well received by the market with significant oversubscription "It is an honor for us to support Kazatomprom in its first appearance on international capital market, having many years of kind relations with this company" - said Dan Connelly, CCO Citibank Kazakhstan.

This transaction is the first international syndicated loan in favour of KAZATOMPROM and paves the way for further growth of the Almaty-based group in line with its expansion plans in the uranium market.

KAZATOMPROM acts as the holding of a group of companies involved in uranium production and processing. With 15-16% of the world's lowest cost uranium resources, KAZATOMPROM benefits from a strong competitive edge due to its sizeable reserves and its low production costs. Apart from its own investments in exploration and extraction in its uranium deposits, KAZATOMPROM has set up several joint-ventures with international partners in Europe, Asia and North America.