China discovered huge uranium ore mines

China said it has discovered the largest uranium ore mine ever in the Daying region of Inner Mongolia autonomous region.

After conducting radiation exploration and detection drilling in Daying area, a team of 500 engineers and construction workers from nuclear power companies and related government departments were sent to the area. Daying serves research for 10 months.

Although the exact reserves of this uranium mine have not been published, the researchers have discovered a huge coal mine with reserves of up to 51 billion tons. Energy experts say the finding will help China not import more radioactive materials from abroad, as well as restarting previously built nuclear power projects.

Huge uranium ore mines help China restart nuclear power projects

Lin Zong, a researcher at the China Center for Geological Survey's Research and Development, said: "In the coming years, with huge reserves of uranium ore, China will receive the booming wave of nuclear power. However, not so does China reduce the amount of imported uranium. '

In the 2012 white paper on energy policy published in October, China set a target of producing 40 million kilowatts by 2015 nuclear facilities, pushing uranium consumption to over 7,500 tons / year. In particular, China produces about 1,000 tons of uranium each year. The World Nuclear Association estimates that by 2020, China will use 20,000 tons of uranium per year, equivalent to a third of global uranium production in 2009.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Land said that the discovery of a huge uranium ore mine is a sign that the world's most populous country can increase its domestic uranium reserves significantly and ensure the supply of fuel for service. for the country's nuclear programs.

Normally, the price of uranium varies from 100 USD - 260 USD / kilogram. In 2011, China imported 16,126 tons of uranium, 6% less than 17,135 tons in 2010. Of which, 95% of uraium imported from Kazakhstan, Namibia and Australia is the second largest economy in the world. and Uzbekistan.

In addition to buying uranium from many countries around the world, Chinese nuclear companies are also looking for opportunities to exploit uranium at mines outside their territories.