5/16/24, 11:05 PM Uranium and Thorium Distribution in India - UPSC - UPSC Notes » LotusArise
Uranium
Uranium is a silvery-gray metallic radioactive chemical element. It is only naturally
formed in supernova explosions.
Uranium, thorium, and potassium are the main elements contributing to natural
terrestrial radioactivity.
Uranium has the chemical symbol U and atomic number 92.
Uranium isotopes in natural uranium are 238U (99.27%) and 235U (0.72%).
All uranium isotopes are radioactive and fissionable. But the only 235U is fissile (will
support a neutron-mediated chain reaction).
Traces of Uranium are found everywhere. Commercial extraction is possible only in
locations where the proportion of Uranium is adequate. There are very few such
locations.
Distribution of Uranium Across the World
The largest viable deposits are found in Australia, Kazakhstan, and Canada.
Olympic Dam and the Ranger mine in Southern Australia are important mines in
Australia.
High-grade deposits are only found in the Athabasca Basin region of Canada.
Cigar Lake, McArthur River basin in Canada are other important uranium mining
sites.
The Chu-Sarysu basin in central Kazakhstan alone accounts for over half of the
country’s known uranium resources.
Kazakhstan produces the largest share of uranium from mines (42% of world
supply from mines in 2019), followed by Canada (13%) and Australia (12%).
Uranium in India
India has no significant reserves of Uranium. All needs are met through
imports.
India imports thousands of tonnes of uranium from Russia, Kazakhstan,
France, and
India is trying hard to import uranium from Australia and Canada. There are
some concerns regarding nuclear proliferation and other related issues which India
is trying to sort out.
Some quality reserves were recently discovered in parts of Andhra Pradesh and
Telangana between Seshachalam forest and Sresailam (Southern edge of
Andhra to Southern edge of Telangana).
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5/16/24, 11:05 PM Uranium and Thorium Distribution in India - UPSC - UPSC Notes » LotusArise
Uranium Mines
Jharkhand
Jaduguda, Bhatin, Narwapahar, Bagjata, Turamdih, Banduhurang, Mohuldih
Meghalaya
Kylleng, Pyndeng-Shahiong (Domiasiat), Mawthabah, Wakhym
Andhra Pradesh
Lambapur-Peddagattu, Tummalapalle
Jadugora
Located in the Singhbhum district of Jharkhand
The first uranium mine opened by UCIL in 1968
Ores are treated in a mill located a Jaduguda itself
UCIL is located here itself
Tummalapalle
It is located in the YSR district of Andhra Pradesh.
The combined reserve in 49000 tonnes of uranium. It can be increased three
times, which will make it the mine with the largest uranium deposits in the
world.
Mohuldih
It is located in the Seraikella – Kharsawan district of Jharkhand.
It was commissioned by UCIL on 17 April 2012.
The ore produced here were be sent to Turamdih Processing Plant.
Turamdih
It is located in the East Singhbhun district of Jharkhand.
It has 7.6 million tonnes of uranium are reserves.
A new uranium procession plant has been constructed here.
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