Kazakhstan, the world leader in uranium production, is reporting a new record for uranium output, according to RFE/RL.

The state nuclear company Kazatomprom has posted figures showing the country produced 20,900 tons in 2012, up from the 19,400 tons it extracted in 2011.

Kazatomprom noted its 2012 output represents 37 percent of worldwide production for 2012.

Kazakhstan sells most of its uranium to Asian countries such as China, South Korea, Japan, and India. Its uranium industry has attracted Western investors in recent years.

Kazakhstan has also embarked on a program to provide materials for the entire nuclear cycle -- from raw uranium to nuclear fuel and reactors.

Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbaev on January 23 gave the government one month to submit proposals for construction of a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan.