Overview
Uranium is the key fuel for nuclear power plants and, when in enriched form, for nuclear weapons. It is a key player of energy policy, national security, and environmental debate.
Since nuclear reactors can generate large amounts of electricity with low emissions, uranium is a part of many countries plan for long-term energy security, while others see it as too risky.
Deposits
Important uranium mining and production regions include:
- Canada - Athabasca Basin (high-grade uranium)
- Kazakhstan - Central Asian in-situ recovery operations
- Australia - Olympic Dam, Ranger and other deposits
- Niger and Namibia - Sahara and Namib Desert projects
- Russia - various Siberian and Central Russian deposits
- Uzbekistan - Central Asian uranium mines
- United States - legacy and smaller-scale deposits in the West
Geopolitics
Uranium supply is closely monitored because it can be used both for civilian nuclear power and, after enrichment, for nuclear weapons. Export controls and international inspections try to separate these uses.
Countries with large nuclear programs seek reliable uranium suppliers and sometimes invest directly in foreign mines. Debates over sanctions, non-proliferation, and nuclear waste all influence how uranium is mined and traded.
