7 hrs ago
UCIL Plans to Double Uranium Production by 2036
Uranium is used to make fuel for some power plants.
UCIL says it wants to produce twice as much uranium by 2036.
The plan is meant to help India increase its nuclear power capacity by 2047.
UCIL plans to expand some mines and develop new projects in several states.
These projects need approvals from 10 different bodies, so they may take three to six years to get started.
The company also wants to recover uranium from waste left over from copper mining.
UCIL says this could avoid the cost of mining new material for that project.
The company did not disclose how much uranium it currently produces.
Uranium Corporation of India Ltd plans to double uranium production by 2036, subject to timely statutory and regulatory clearances.
The plan supports India’s target of reaching 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047; current capacity is around 9 GW.
UCIL operates eight projects and plans to expand the Jadugora and Narwapahar mines while developing projects in four states.
The company says project expansions and new projects could take three to six years to start because they require clearances from 10 bodies.
UCIL also plans a plant in Mosabani to recover uranium-bearing material from copper-mine tailings at a proposed capacity of 900,000 tonnes per year.
- Who
- Uranium Corporation of India Ltd (UCIL), whose chairman-cum-managing director is K. Anand Rao.
- What
- UCIL plans to double uranium production by 2036 and expand existing mines, develop new projects, and pursue uranium recovery from copper-mine tailings.
- Where
- The plans include projects in Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh.
- When
- The announcement was reported on October 6; the production target is 2036 and India’s nuclear capacity target is 2047.
- Why
- To support India’s goal of reaching 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047.
Key facts
- Production target
- Double uranium production by 2036; UCIL did not disclose its current production figure.
- India’s current nuclear capacity
- Around 9 GW.
- India’s 2047 target
- 100 GW of nuclear power capacity.
- UCIL projects
- Eight operating projects: seven in Jharkhand’s Singhbhum region and one in Andhra Pradesh.
- Planned project locations
- Expansion at Jadugora and Narwapahar, with greenfield projects planned in Rajasthan, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh.
- Clearance timeline
- Planned expansions and greenfield projects may take three to six years to start; UCIL says clearances are required from 10 bodies.
- Mosabani recovery plant
- Proposed capacity of 900,000 tonnes per year to process uranium-bearing material from copper-mine tailings.
Quotes
K Anand Rao
UCIL chairman-cum-managing director
“HCL is mining for copper in Mosabani. They use only 5 per cent of the total ore, and the rest is rejected. Ten per cent of the waste will be brought to the UCIL plant for processing and extraction of uranium. This is a cost-effective initiative because there is no mining cost, and it promotes a circular economy.”
theprint.in
“The corporation plans to double uranium production by 2036 through expansion of existing projects and some greenfield projects. The plan is, however, subject to statutory and regulatory clearances obtained in time.”
theprint.in
Sources
Related news
Uttarakhand Media Delegation Visits NTPC Korba, BALCO Facilities
India’s Nuclear Build-Out Puts Three Equipment Stocks In Focus
India’s Scientist Urges Early Thorium Shift in PHWR Fleet
India's Nuclear Energy Path Highlights Thorium and Balanced Power Sources
India and US Discuss Nuclear Expansion and Energy Cooperation
BARC Partners Industry for Rs 9,000-Crore Modular Reactor Plan
Nagpur Man Dies After Crowd Beating Over Child Assault Allegation
Jal Jeevan Mission Brings Tap Water to Dandjamdi
Chhattisgarh Launches Chendru Award to Promote Rural Tourism
Raipur Job Fair to Connect Chhattisgarh Youth With Private Employers
