Where are uranium deposits located?
Uranium deposits are found all over the world. The largest deposits of uranium are found in Australia, Kazakhstan and Canada. High-grade deposits (>20% U3O8) are only found in Canada. What is Uranium used for? The principal use for uranium is in nuclear fuel for power generation. Approximately 16% of the world’s electricity is generated from nuclear reactors, and it is growing in popularity given declining fossil fuel supplies and increased pressure to use cheaper, cleaner (i.e. low-carbon) forms of energy. By the time it is completely fissioned, one kilogram of uranium can theoretically produce about 20 trillion joules of energy (20×1012 joules), or as much electricity that 1,500 tonnes of coal could yield. Commercial nuclear power plants generally use uranium whose 235U isotope has been enriched to around 4-5%. CANDU heavy water reactor, however, have traditionally used natural uranium whose 235U isotope concentration is 0.71%. Fuelling of heavy water reactors with uranium that has b
