Cameco

Once an economic uranium deposit is found, preparation for the first stage of the fuel cycle – mining and milling – can begin.

Today, uranium is mined in 19 countries around the world. The leading producer is Kazakhstan, followed by Canada and Australia. These three countries account for about 64% of world production. International trade in uranium is controlled by a regime of safeguards administered by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to ensure that it is used exclusively for peaceful purpose.

Establishing a Mine

The stages involved in establishing a mine

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Mining

Uranium mining techniques

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Milling

Extracting the ore for concentrates

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After Mining

Decommissioning a mine

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One ton of natural uranium can produce more than 40 million kilowatt-hours of electricity. This is equivalent to burning 16,000 tons of coal or 80,000 barrels of oil.