ASTANA. 15.01.2010. KAZINFORM /Damir Baimanov/ Kazakhstan plans to increase the volume of uranium extraction to 18 tons in 2010; the press service of Kazatomprom National Atomic Company JSC informs. The company notes, that in 2009 Kazakhstan ranked the first place on uranium mining. Naturak uranium extraction made up 13,665 tons. At present 21 mines function in the country. The 2009 growth made up 63 percent against 2008. "It becomes possible due to putting into commission new mines and increase in industrial capacities of the acting enterprises", the press service's statement reads. The total volume of investments in 2009 made up about KZT 78.7 mln.