
July 23, 2024
Pilot plant design close to completion with start-up aimed for H2 2024
Toro Energy Limited (ASX: TOE) (‘the Company’ or ‘Toro’) is pleased to announce that the Company is continuing to advance its plans to begin operation of a pilot plant for its Wiluna Uranium Project in the second half of 2024.
- Design phase for the pilot plant commissioned by Toro is nearing completion ahead of planned start-up later this year
- Sonic drill programs designed to supply material feed to the pilot plant from all three deposits approved by the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DEMIRS)
- Detailed reworking of the geometallurgical models for all three deposits, to ensure the drill plan is representative of all ore types likely to be mined and processed, has been initiated
- Pilot plant will test the improved beneficiation & hydrometallurgical circuit developed by Toro at closer to production scale
- Pilot plant to test potential ore from all three uranium deposits – Lake Maitland, Lake Way and Centipede-Millipede – these deposits could potentially underpin an expanded Lake Maitland operation
- Project optimisation work continues to evaluate further economic improvements driven by Lake Maitland’s close proximity to Toro’s 100% owned Centipede- Millipede and Lake Way uranium deposits within Wiluna by the potential integration of additional resources from these deposits. Strong improved financial outcomes from the updated Lake Maitland Scoping Study include:
- Pre-tax NPV8 of A$832.8M (+37% increase of A$223.20M)
- Excellent 48% IRR (+7% increase)
- Total EBITDA of $2,303.3M (+30% increase of A$534.4M)
- Total undiscounted cash flow of A$1,903.3M pre-tax – average >$2M per week (+36% increase of A$507.3M)
- Short payback period of 2.1 years
- Low C1 operating cost of US$17.28/lb U3O8 in years 1 to 7 when high grade uranium resource is being processed
- Strong life of mine C1 operating cost of only US$24.78/lb U3O8
- Low AISC cost of US$22.58/lb U3O8 in years 1 to 7 when high grade uranium resource is being processed
- Strong life of mine AISC cost of only US$30.55/lb U3O8
- Modest total CAPEX of US$149M plus 20% for contingency and 15% for EPCM over a 17.5 year mine life producing a total of 22.8Mlbs U3O8 and 11.9 Mlbs V2O5
Management Commentary
Commenting on the update Toro’s Executive Chairman, Richard Homsany, said:
“Toro continues to advance important workstreams across our flagship Wiluna Uranium Project in WA, and we are pleased to report that work on the pilot plant design is nearing completion. The pilot plant is an important step in demonstrating the potential scale and value of not only the Lake Maitland Uranium deposit, but of the entire Wiluna Uranium Project.
This latest body of work further builds upon the excellent economics resulting from the updated Lake Maitland Scoping Study which confirmed a significant uplift of 36% or A$223M in pre-tax NPV8 to A$832.8M.
It should be emphasised that the pilot plant will aim to test potential ore from all three uranium deposits – (1) Lake Maitland (2) Lake Way and (3) Centipede-Millipede – that Toro believes could contribute to an extended Lake Maitland processing operation. The proximity of Lake Way and Centipede-Millipede to Lake Maitland provides Toro with valuable optionality to substantially increase the feasibility of the broader Wiluna Uranium Project beyond the A$832M NPV8 resulting from the updated stand-alone Lake Maitland Scoping Study. Another outcome could be that Lake Way and Centipede-Millipede sustain a separate feasible mining and processing operation to that at Lake Maitland.
Toro remains committed to ensuring the Wiluna Uranium Project is ready to be brought into production when government policy aligns. Our ongoing evaluation work, in a strong global uranium market and backdrop of an evolving sophisticated nuclear energy debate in Australia, is exciting for Toro shareholders and potential investors.”
Click here for the full ASX Release
This article includes content from Toro Energy, licensed for the purpose of publishing on Investing News Australia. This article does not constitute financial product advice. It is your responsibility to perform proper due diligence before acting upon any information provided here. Please refer to our full disclaimer here.
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The Conversation (0)
14 April
Toro Energy
Investor Insight
Toro Energy’s significant uranium resource in a tier 1 jurisdiction places the company in a compelling position to leverage a bullish uranium market and the mineral’s strategic role in global decarbonization.
Overview
Australia is the world’s third-largest uranium producer (12 percent) next to Kazakhstan (43 percent) and Canada (13 percent). It is home to the Wiluna Uranium Project, the flagship asset of Toro Energy (ASX:TOE), a uranium exploration and development company also exploring value in other commodities.
The 100-percent-owned Wiluna uranium project includes three key deposits – Lake Maitland, Centipede-Millipede and Lake Way – and offers significant uranium exposure of 87.8 million tons (Mt) at 381 ppm for 73.6 Mlbs U3O8 at 100 ppm cut-off (JORC 2012). It is located only 30 kilometers southeast of Wiluna in Central Western Australia.
The Wiluna uranium project has received state and federal approval (subject to required amendments) and has been granted mining leases.
Considerable research over recent years has identified processing redesign opportunities from unique geological attributes within the uranium deposits, but particularly at Lake Maitland, as well as the ability to extract the inherent vanadium held within the uranium ‘ore’ for a vanadium by-product.
Within the uranium mineralization envelope, the Wiluna project is estimated to contain 141.8 Mt vanadium oxide (V2O5) at 286 ppm for 89.3 Mlbs of V2O5 at 100 ppm V2O5 cut-off (JORC 2012), as of September 24, 2024.
The scoping study for the stand-alone Lake Maitland uranium-vanadium operation option shows potential for exceptional financial returns with a pre-tax NPV of AU$832.8 million, a short payback period of 2.5 years, 48 percent internal rate of return, and low capex of AU$291 million (US$203 million), based on price assumption of US$85/lb U3O8, US$5.67/lb V2O5 and a 70 cents US$:AU$ exchange rate.
In September 2024, the Lake Maitland deposit has been re-estimated using a resource envelope more in line with the other Wiluna uranium deposits; allowed the lowering of the cut-off grade to 100ppm U3O8, expanding Lake Maitland resources by 12 percent and that of the entire Wiluna project by 17 percent (when the expansions at Lake Way and Centipede-Millipede are also included).
The design phase of Toro Energy’s beneficiation and hydrometallurgical pilot plant is on track and in line with plans to finalise construction. The pilot plant will test the improved beneficiation and hydrometallurgical circuit developed by Toro from bench scale research at a closer-to-production scale and as single streams. It will also test potential ore from the three uranium-vanadium deposits that Toro believes will make up an extended Lake Maitland operation – these include Lake Maitland, Lake Way and Centipede-Millipede.
The Lake Maitland deposit is part of a joint venture partnership with two reputable Japanese corporations, Japan Australia Uranium Resource Development. (JAURD) and Itochu.
Toro has been actively evaluating the prospectivity of its Wiluna asset portfolio for minerals other than uranium, including nickel and gold.
The Lake Maitland mining pit re-optimization which incorporated the latest resource estimates and updated financial data has been completed. Mine scheduling is currently underway in preparation for the upcoming scoping study update.
Toro’s Dusty nickel project is located on the northern, eastern and southern shores of Lake Maitland and the Lake Maitland uranium deposit and is focused on two main target areas: Dusty and Yandal One. These properties will be the subject of a proposed demerger, following Toro’s recent strategic review of its non-core assets and future plans to solely focus on its uranium development opportunities and its flagship Wiluna project.
Toro Energy’s management team and board of directors have extensive experience in the mining industry, with combined expertise that includes working at major mining houses, exploration companies, uranium mining operations, corporate financing and government and community relations.
Company Highlights
- Toro Energy is a well-established uranium exploration and development company based in Western Australia, with a strong focus on unlocking value from additional commodities within its highly prospective landholdings.
- The company holds JORC-compliant uranium resources totaling 112.7 million pounds (Mlbs) of uranium oxide (U₃O₈) across its Western Australian projects.
- Toro’s 100%-owned flagship Wiluna Uranium Project, located 30 km southeast of Wiluna in Central Western Australia, hosts a total resource of 87.8 million tonnes (Mt) at 331 ppm for 73.6 Mlbs U₃O₈ at a 100 ppm cut-off. The project encompasses three key deposits: Lake Maitland, Centipede-Millipede, and Lake Way.
- Within the uranium mineralization envelope, Toro has also defined a maiden vanadium resource of 89.3 Mlbs V₂O₅ at a 100 ppm cut-off. A scoping study for a stand-alone Lake Maitland uranium-vanadium operation indicates the potential for exceptional financial returns.
- Beyond uranium, strategic exploration within the Lake Maitland tenure has led to the discovery of massive nickel sulphide and vein-hosted gold deposits, including the Dusty Nickel Project and the Yandal Gold Project.
- Following a recent strategic review, Toro is evaluating a renewed focus on uranium development and is considering the demerger of non-core assets, including its nickel, gold, and base metal projects in Western Australia.
- Toro is led by a highly experienced management team and board of directors, with deep expertise in uranium exploration, mining, and base metal exploration.
Key Projects
Wiluna Uranium Project
Location of the Lake Maitland Uranium and Vanadium Deposit within Toro’s portfolio of Uranium-Vanadium Deposits that make up the company’s Wiluna Uranium-Vanadium Project
Toro Energy’s flagship asset is located only 30 kilometers from the town of Wiluna in the northern goldfields region within central Western Australia. The Wiluna project contains 87.8 Mt at 381 ppm for 73.6 Mlbs U 3O8 at 100 ppm cut-off over three deposits: Centipede-Millipede, Lake Way and Lake Maitland. The asset has been de-risked and optimized to improve yield and has successfully incorporated the processing of a vanadium resource as a by-product. A scoping study was completed for a stand-alone Lake Maitland uranium-vanadium operation.
Project Highlights:
- De-risked Uranium Project: Toro Energy has de-risked the Wiluna uranium asset by securing state and federal approvals, mining leases, and a simplified mining process. Further approvals are needed due to project enhancements. Extensive lab testing has also validated an efficient beneficiation and processing technique, enabling vanadium extraction as a valuable by-product.
- Uranium Exploration assets: Toro also owns 100 percent of three other exploration projects in Western Australia that have a total uranium resource of 39.1 Mlbs Nowthanna (200ppm U3O8 cut-off), Dawson Hinkler (100ppm U3O8 cut-off) and Theseus (200ppm U3O8 cut-off).
- Lake Maitland Pit Expansion: A 2022 pit expansion for a stand-alone Lake Maitland mining and processing operation, based on an updated uranium price, the inclusion of vanadium as a by-product, revised OPEX based on a the new beneficiation and processing flow sheet, increased the potential volume of uranium ore
- Initial Scoping study at proposed Lake Maitland Uranium-Vanadium Operation: Initial scoping study results following the 2022 pit expansion highlight the project’s potential for robust financial returns, increasing the asset to US$608 million in potential gross product value (assumes a US$70/lb U3O8, US$5.67/lb V2O5 price and a US$: AU$0.70 exchange rate).
- 2024 Scoping Study Financial Metrics Update: A refresh of the scoping study on the stand-alone Lake Maitland operation which incorporates current financial metrics and improved uranium pricing has been recently completed resulting an increase in pre-tax NPV to $832.8 million and 48 percent IRR (assumes a US$85/lb U3O8, US$5.67/lb V2O5 price and a US$: AU$0.70 exchange rate).
- Expanded Resource: Reducing the U₃O₈ and V₂O₅ cut-off grade to 100 ppm has significantly expanded resources across all three uranium-vanadium deposits:
- Lake Maitland:
- U₃O₈: +12 percent (3.2 Mlbs) to 29.6 Mlbs, average grade 403 ppm
- V₂O₅: +74 percent (13.4 Mlbs) to 31.4 Mlbs, average grade 285 ppm
- Centipede-Millipede:
- U₃O₈: +25 percent (5.98 Mlbs) to 29.95 Mlbs, average grade 351 ppm
- V₂O₅: +17% (6.6 Mlbs) to 45.2 Mlbs, average grade 281 ppm
- Lake Way:
- U₃O₈: +15 percent (1.79 Mlbs) to 14.12 Mlbs, average grade 406 ppm
- V₂O₅: +9.5 percent (1.1 Mlbs) to 12.7 Mlbs, average grade 307 ppm
- Lake Maitland:
- Pilot Plant Design Commissioned: A detailed pilot plant design is being undertaken to further assess the new processing flowsheet for Lake Maitland at a closer to ‘operational’ scale. The pilot plant design is on track incorporating all aspects of both uranium and vanadium production. A sonic core drilling program will commence to deliver potential ore to the pilot plant currently in design for Wiluna.
- Robust Local Infrastructure: The assets are within an established mining center, which means much of the required infrastructure is readily available. The project has access to power and water, which reduces initial development costs.
- Joint Venture Partnership: Toro Energy has entered into a joint venture partnership with JAURD and Itochu for its Lake Maitland deposit. Both corporations have the right, but not the obligation, to earn a combined 35 percent interest in the project upon contributing US$39.6 million, and an additional proportionate share of expenditure thereafter, once a positive final investment decision has been made based on a definitive feasibility study.
The Dusty Nickel Project – Discoveries of Massive Nickel Sulphide
Toro’s Lake Maitland tenure is located in the Yandal Greenstone Belt within the Yilgarn Craton of Western Australia, a gold district within a world-class gold and nickel province. With little exploration for non-uranium minerals ever conducted on the properties, Toro considers the project area highly prospective for nickel, gold and base metals.
Exploration and diamond drilling have identified four massive/semi-massive nickel sulphide zones within just 4.5 km of a 7.5 km komatiite magnetic trend. Limited testing has been conducted across a 15 km strike of known komatiite-ultramafic target rock. With minimal drilling at Lake Maitland, the full extent of prospective nickel sulphide mineralization remains unknown.
Project Highlights:
- Four zones of massive nickel sulphide discovered: Toro has discovered four zones of massive and semi-massive nickel sulphides: Dusty, Houli Dooley, Jumping Jack and Dimma.
- Yandal OneTarget Area: The Yandal One Target Area is located some 17 kilometers south of the Dusty discoveries and with limited drilling, Toro has proven the existence of another komatiite with the potential to host massive nickel sulphide.
Toro Yandal Gold Project
The Lake Maitland tenure is located only 20 kilometers northeast of the world-class Bronzewing and Mt McClure gold mines within the same Greenstone Belt, the Yandal, within one of the most famous gold provinces in the world, the Yilgarn Craton.
Early exploration by Toro at the Golden Ways target area in the north of the project has uncovered surface rock chip samples of up to 70 g/t gold and significant drilling results, including:
- 5 meters at 4.4 g/t from 22 meters (TERC24)
- Including 2 meters at 9.93 g/t from 22 meters
- 4 meters at 3.3 g/t from 28 meters (TERC25)
- Including 1 meter at 10.9 g/t from 28 meters
- 2 meters at 3.79 g/t from 10 meters (TERC38)
- Including 1 meters at 7.33 g/t from 10 meters
- 3 meters at 1.41 g/t from 9 meters (TERC36)
- Including 1 meters at 2.76 g/t from 10 meters
Management Team
Richard Homsany - Executive Chairman
Richard Homsany has extensive experience in the resources industry, having been the executive vice-president for Australia of TSX-listed Mega Uranium since April 2010. He has worked for North Ltd, an ASX top 50-listed internationally diversified resources company in operations, risk management and corporate, before its takeover by Rio Tinto.
Homsany is an experienced corporate lawyer and certified practicing accountant (CPA) advising numerous clients in the energy and resources sector, including publicly listed companies. He was corporate partner at international law firm DLA Phillips Fox (now DLA Piper), where he advised clients on a range of transactions and matters including capital raising, IPOs, stock exchange listing, mergers and acquisitions, finance, joint ventures, divestments and governance.
Michel Marier - Non-executive Director
Michel Marier joined Sentient in 2009 as an investment manager. Before joining Sentient, Marier worked eight years in the private equity division of la Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec. Marier holds a master’s degree in finance from HEC Montreal and is a CFA charter holder.
Richard Patricio - Non-executive Director
Richard Patricio is the CEO and president of Mega Uranium, a uranium-focused investment and development company with assets in Canada and Australia. Patricio has built a number of mining companies with global operations. He holds senior officer and director positions in several junior mining companies listed on the TSX, TSX Venture, AIM and NASDAQ exchanges. He is currently also a director of NexGen Energy (TSE:NXE, Mkt Cap. C$2.7 billion). He previously practiced law at a top-tier law firm in Toronto and worked as an in-house general counsel for a senior TSX-listed company. He received his law degree from Osgoode Hall and was called to the Ontario bar in 2000.
Dr. Greg Shirtliff – Geology Manager
Dr. Greg Shirtliff, with a PhD in mine-related geology and geochemistry from ANU, has 20+ years of experience across environmental, mine geology, resource development, exploration, and management. His career includes roles at ERA-Rio Tinto’s Ranger Uranium Mine, Cameco Australasia, and currently as Lead Geologist & Technical Manager at Toro Energy. He oversees uranium and mineral resource development, directs exploration strategy, supports EPA approvals, and guides engineering and metallurgical assessments.
Katherine Garvey - Legal Counsel and Company Secretary
Katherine Garvey is a corporate lawyer who has significant experience in the resources sector. Garvey advises public (both listed and unlisted) and proprietary companies on a variety of corporate and commercial matters including capital raising, finance, acquisitions and disposals, Corporations Act and ASX Listing Rule compliance, corporate governance and company secretarial issues. She has extensive experience drafting and negotiating various corporate and commercial agreements including farm-in agreements, joint ventures, shareholders’ agreements, and business and share sale and purchase agreements.
Marc Boudames - Financial Controller
Marc Boudames is experienced in statutory financial reporting, taxation, ERP systems, business analytics, corporate transactions, due diligence, mergers & acquisitions, finance, joint ventures and divestments. He previously worked at RSM Bird Cameron, as general manager –finance & administration for ASX-listed Redport Ltd and Mega Uranium (Australia), a Canadian TSX-listed mining and equity investment company focused on global uranium properties and multi-mineral exploration. He has worked for multiple companies across various industries, including listed and public companies associated with the mining and oil and gas sectors, such as WesTrac, CB&I and Spotless Group.
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Top 10 Uranium-producing Countries
Global uranium production has experienced significant fluctuations over the past decade.
After peaking at 63,207 metric tons in 2016, global uranium output declined over the subsequent years as many uranium mines were rendered uneconomic by persistent low spot prices due to factors such as oversupply and lower demand following the 2011 Fukushima disaster. In 2022, world uranium production totaled just 49,355 metric tons.
However, the uranium market started turning around in 2021, leading uranium miners to begin restarting production at their mines in recent years. In early 2024, prices surged to a 17 year high of US$106 per pound, driven by a growing global commitment to nuclear energy as a low-carbon power source and supply concerns from major producers like Kazakhstan's Kazatomprom (LSE:KAP,OTC Pink:NATKY).
Currently, 10 percent of the world’s electricity is generated by nuclear energy, and that number is expected to grow. Looking forward, analysts are calling for a sustained bull market in uranium.
Prices have since stabilized around US$70 per pound as of mid-2025, and the market remains bullish due to a persistent supply-demand imbalance.
Because of uranium's significance in nuclear fuel production and energy generation, it’s important to know where uranium is mined and which nations are the largest uranium-producing countries. Kazakhstan is the leader by a long shot, and has been since 2009. In 2022, the most recent year for which data is available, Canada and Namibia took second and third place, respectively, for uranium production.
For investors interested in following the uranium space, having familiarity with uranium production by country is essential. Read on to get a closer look at the largest uranium-producing countries. Data and mine information on the top 10 uranium producing countries are from the World Nuclear Association’s most recent report on uranium mine production and mining database MDO.
1. Kazakhstan
Mine production: 21,227 metric tons
Kazakhstan is the largest uranium producing country in the world, and its total output of 21,227 metric tons in 2022 accounted for an impressive 43 percent of global uranium supply.
When last recorded in 2021, Kazakhstan had 815,200 MT of known recoverable uranium resources, second only to Australia. Most of the uranium in the country is mined via an in-situ leaching process.
Kazataprom, the country’s national uranium miner, is the world’s largest producer, with projects and partnerships in various jurisdictions. News that the top uranium producer may miss its production targets for 2024 and 2025 was a large contributor to uranium prices breaking through the US$100 level last year.
One of the company's most significant uranium operations is the Inkai in-situ recovery (ISR) mine, a 60/40 joint venture with Cameco (TSX:CCO,NYSE:CCJ). According to the mining database MDO, Inkai produced 8.3 million pounds of U3O8 in 2023.
Production at Inkai was temporarily suspended in early 2025 due to a regulatory delay that has since been rectified.
In May, Kazatomprom announced that its subsidiary's 40 percent owned joint venture, Taiqonyr Qyshqyl Zauyty, secured US$189 million in financing from the Development Bank of Kazakhstan to build an 800,000 MT per year sulfuric acid plant in the Turkestan region. The plant is expected to be operational by Q1 2027.
2. Canada
Mine production: 7,351 metric tons
Canada’s uranium output in 2022 was 7,351 metric tons. The country's production fell dramatically since hitting a peak of 14,039 MT in 2016 as the country's mines closed due to low uranium prices in the late 2010s. However, uranium production in the country began to rebound in 2022.
Saskatchewan’s Cigar Lake and McArthur River are considered the world’s two top uranium mines. Both properties are operated by sector major Cameco. MDO highlights Cigar Lake and McArthur River as having uranium grades that are 100 times the world average. The company made the decision to shutter operations at the McArthur River mine in 2018, but returned to normal operations in November 2022.
In 2023, Cameco produced 17.6 million pounds of uranium — equivalent to 7,983 metric tons — which was still below its originally planned production of 20.3 million pounds for the year. However, the company's 2024 uranium output climbed to 23.1 million pounds, beating its guidance for the year.
For 2025, the uranium major plans to produce 18 million pounds of uranium at McArthur River/Key Lake and 18 million pounds at Cigar Lake.
Uranium exploration is also prevalent in Canada, with the majority occurring in the uranium-rich Athabasca Basin in the province of Saskatchewan. The Athabasca Basin is world renowned for its high-quality uranium deposits and friendly mining attitude, and Saskatchewan's long history with the uranium industry has helped to assert it as an international leader in the sector.
3. Namibia
Mine production: 5,613 metric tons
Namibia’s uranium production totaled 5,613 metric tons in 2022. The country's uranium output has been steadily increasing after falling to 2,993 MT in 2015.
In fact, the African nation overtook longtime frontrunner Canada to become the third largest uranium-producing country in 2020, and went on to surpass Australia for the second top spot in 2021. Although Namibia slipped back below Canada in 2022, its output for the year was only down by 140 MT from 2021.
The country is home to three key uranium mines: Langer Heinrich, Rössing and Husab. Paladin Energy (ASX:PDN,OTCQX:PALAF) owns the Langer Heinrich mine. In 2017, Paladin took Langer Heinrich offline due to weak uranium prices. However, improved uranium prices over the past few years prompted the uranium miner to ramp up restart efforts, and Langer Heinrich achieved commercial production once again in Q1 2024.
Paladin initially forecast fiscal 2025 output of 4 million to 4.5 million pounds of U3O8, but revised it in November 2024 to 3 million to 3.6 million pounds due to inconsistent ore stockpiles and water supply issues. In March 2025, after heavy rains further disrupted operations, Paladin removed its guidance altogether. The company is now facing two class action lawsuits regarding the guidance revisions.
Rio Tinto (NYSE:RIO,ASX:RIO,LSE:RIO) sold its majority share of the Rössing mine to China National Uranium in 2019. Rössing is the world’s longest-running open-pit uranium mine, and recent expansion efforts have extended its mine life to 2036, according to MDO.
The Husab mine, majority owned by China General Nuclear, is one of the world's largest uranium mines by output. As part of its effort to increase output, MDO reports that a pilot heap leach project is underway to assess the economic feasibility of processing lower-grade ore. The results of the pilot project are expected in 2025.
4. Australia
Mine production: 4,087 metric tons
Australia’s uranium production totaled 4,087 metric tons in 2022, down significantly from the 6,203 MT produced two years prior. The island nation holds 28 percent of the world’s known recoverable uranium resources.
Uranium mining is a contentious and often political issue in Australia. While the country permits some uranium-mining activity, it is opposed to using nuclear energy — at least for now.
"Australia uses no nuclear power, but with high reliance on coal any likely carbon constraints on electricity generation will make it a strong possibility,” according to the World Nuclear Association. “Australia has a significant infrastructure to support any future nuclear power program.”
Australia is home to three operating uranium mines, including the largest-known deposit of uranium in the world, BHP's (NYSE:BHP,ASX:BHP,LSE:BHP) Olympic Dam. Although uranium is only produced as a by-product at Olympic Dam, its high output of the metal makes it the fourth largest uranium-producing mine in the world. The mining database MDO reports that In BHP's 2024 fiscal year, uranium output from the Olympic Dam operation totaled 3,603 metric tons of uranium oxide concentrate.
5. Uzbekistan
Mine production: 3,300 metric tons
In 2022, Uzbekistan was the fifth largest uranium producing country, with output of 3,300 metric tons. It entered the top five in 2020, with an estimated 3,500 MT of output. Domestic uranium production had been gradually increasing in the Central Asian nation since 2016 via Japanese and Chinese joint ventures.
Navoiyuran, which was spun out of state-owned Navoi Mining & Metallurgy Combinat in 2022 as part of a restructuring, handles all the mining and processing of domestic uranium supply. The nation's uranium largess continues to attract foreign investment; strategic partnerships with French uranium miner Orano and state-run China Nuclear Uranium were announced in November 2023 and March 2024, respectively.
Orano also partnered with the state uranium company in 2019, forming a 51/49 joint venture, Nurlikum Mining, to develop the South Djengeldi uranium project. In early 2025, the pair was joined by Japan’s ITOCHU (TSE:8001), who acquired an undisclosed minority stake. The mine, located in the Kyzylkum Desert, is projected to produce up to 700 metric tons of uranium annually over a lifespan exceeding a decade. An exploration program aims to at least double the project's mineral resources.
6. Russia
Mine production: 2,508 metric tons
Russia was in sixth place in terms of uranium production in 2022 with production of 2,508 metric tons. Output has been relatively steady in the country since 2011, usually coming in around the 2,800 to 3,000 MT range.
Experts had been expecting the country to increase its production in the coming years to meet its energy needs, as well as growing uranium demand around the world. But in 2021, uranium production in the country dropped by 211 MT year-over-year to 2,635 MT, and it fell by another 127 MT in 2022.
In terms of domestic production, Rosatom, a subsidiary of ARMZ Uranium Holding, owns the country’s Priargunsky mine and is working on developing the Vershinnoye deposit in Southern Siberia through a subsidiary.
In 2023, Russia surpassed its uranium production target, producing 90 MT more than expected. Rosatom is developing new mines, including Mine No. 6, which is slated to begin uranium production in 2028.
Russian uranium has been an area of controversy in recent years, with the US initiating a Section 232 investigation around the security of uranium imports from the country in 2018. More recently, Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine has prompted countries around the world to look more closely at their nuclear supply chains.
7. Niger
Mine production: 2,020 metric tons
Niger’s uranium production totaled 2,020 metric tons in 2022, having declined year-on-year over the past decade. The African nation is home to the producing SOMAIR uranium mine and the past producing COMINAK mine, which account for 5 percent of the world’s uranium production. Both are run by subsidiaries of Orano, a private uranium miner, through majority owned joint ventures.
Global Atomic (TSX:GLO,OTCQX:GLATF) is developing its Dasa project in the country, and expects to commission its processing plant by early 2026. Niger is also home to the Madaouela uranium asset, which was the flagship project of explorer GoviEx Uranium (TSXV:GXU,OTCQB:GVXXF).
A recent military coup in the African nation has sparked uranium supply concerns, as Niger accounts for 15 percent of France's uranium needs and one-fifth of EU imports. In January 2024, the government of Niger, now under a military junta, announced it intends to overhaul the nation's mining industry. It has temporarily halted the granting of new mining licenses and is working to make changes to existing mining licenses in order to increase state profits.
In mid-2024, Niger's government revoked GoviEx Uranium's Madaouela mining license along with Orano's operating permit for its Imouraren uranium project.
Niger granted a small-scale mining permit for the Moradi uranium project to state-owned COMIREX. The approval, issued February 22, 2025, upgrades a previous semi-mechanized license and strengthens national control over uranium resources in the Agadez Region.
8. China
Mine production: 1,700 metric tons
China’s uranium production grew to hit 1,700 metric tons in 2022, up by 100 MT over 2021. The country's uranium production climbed during the 2010s from 885 MT in 2011 to 1,885 MT in 2018, and held steady at that level until falling to 1,600 MT in 2021.
China General Nuclear Power, the country’s sole domestic uranium supplier, is looking to expand nuclear fuel supply deals with Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and additional foreign uranium companies.
China’s goal is to supply one-third of its nuclear fuel cycle with uranium from domestic producers, obtain one-third through foreign equity in mines and joint ventures overseas and purchase one-third on the open uranium market. China is also a leader in nuclear energy; the Chinese mainland has 56 nuclear reactors with 31 in construction.
In May 2025 Chinese scientists announced successful results from their newly developed method of extracting uranium from seawater, which uses hydrogel beads made with candle wax and a uranium-binding compound. The team aims to build a demonstration plant by 2035.
While the nation’s uranium reserves are less expansive than other countries, the technique could support China’s growing nuclear power needs by tapping into the ocean’s vast uranium reserves.
9. India
Mine production: 600 metric tons
India produced 600 metric tons of uranium in 2022, on par with output in 2021.
India currently has 25 operating nuclear reactors with another eight under construction, according to the Indian government. In 2025, the country's Minister for Power released a list of steps to take to increase the country's nuclear energy capacity to its goal of 100 gigawatts of power by 2047.
“The Indian government is committed to growing its nuclear power capacity as part of its massive infrastructure development programme,” as per the World Nuclear Association. “The government has set ambitious targets to grow nuclear capacity.”
10. South Africa
Mine production: 200 metric tons
South Africa produced 200 metric tons of uranium in 2022. It is another uranium-producing country that has seen its output decline over the past decade — the nation's uranium output peaked at 573 MT in 2014. Nonetheless, in 2022 South Africa surpassed Ukraine's production, which was curbed by Russia's invasion, to become the 10th top uranium producer globally.
South Africa holds 5 percent of the world’s known uranium resources, taking the sixth spot on that list.
Recently, Sibanye-Stillwater (NYSE:SBSW) and C5 Capital, a global investment firm specializing in advanced nuclear energy, formed a strategic partnership to explore and develop advanced nuclear energy opportunities in South Africa and globally.
The collaboration aims to identify, acquire, finance, develop and manage uranium projects and production facilities capable of supplying fuel for small modular reactors. Sibanye-Stillwater's portfolio includes significant uranium resources in tailings at its Cooke and Beatrix gold operations.
Don’t forget to follow us @INN_Resource for real-time news updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Georgia Williams, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Securities Disclosure: I, Melissa Pistilli, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
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29 May
Trump’s Nuclear Revival Plan Boosts Uranium Prices, Sends US Miners Soaring
Uranium is on the rise after President Donald Trumpsigned executive orders aimed at revitalizing the US nuclear industry — including measures to strengthen domestic fuel supply and expand the nuclear workforce.
On Tuesday (May 27), the U3O8 spot price climbed to US$72 per pound, its first move above US$70 since early February.
Trump’s promise to fast track mine permits has also benefited uranium companies with projects in the US.
One of those companies is Anfield Energy (TSXV:AEC,OTCQB:ANLDF), which on Tuesday received approval from the US Department of the Interior for its Velvet-Wood uranium and vanadium project in Utah. The green light marks the first uranium mine to be okayed under Trump’s emergency declaration to revive the domestic nuclear fuel cycle.
According to a statement, the Bureau of Land Management completed its environmental review in just 14 days, a timeline officials say reflects a broader shift toward prioritizing critical mineral projects.
“This approval marks a turning point in how we secure America’s mineral future,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum when the Velvet-Wood decision was announced. “We’re reducing dependence on foreign adversaries and ensuring our military, medical and energy sectors have the resources they need to thrive.”
Shares of Anfield surged to a year-to-date high of C$0.115 following the news, and have since settled in the C$0.10 range.
Rising tide raises all ships
Although Trump's latest round of executive orders has catalyzed uranium prices and sentiment in recent days, the sector's strong long-term fundamentals continue to provide underlying support.
Growing demand from artificial intelligence data centers, paired with a push for carbon-free energy sources, makes a strong case for the expansion of nuclear energy capacity.
Over the past five trading days, enCore Energy (TSXV:EU,NASDAQ:EU) shares have risen 33.33 percent, from C$2.18 on May 22 to C$2.92 on Wednesday (May 28). The company holds a portfolio of uranium projects located in Texas, Colorado, Wyoming and South Dakota. Currently, the Alta Mesa and Rosita projects in Texas are operational.
Uranium Energy (NYSEAMERICAN:UEC) has also seen its share price increase, adding 31 percent over the same five day period, to trade for US$2.89. Boasting a portfolio of 10 US uranium assets in various stages of development, the company also owns and operates the Hobson in-situ recovery processing plant in Texas, which is operational.
Ur-Energy (TSX:URE,NYSEAMERICAN:URG), which owns the producing Lost Creek mine and the construction-stage Shirley Basin project in Wyoming, is another company experiencing heightened investor interest this past week.
Shares of Ur-Energy rose 26.53 percent over the five day session, and are currently valued at C$1.24.
Diversified players like Western Uranium and Vanadium (CSE:WUC,OTCQX:WSTRF) were also buy targets following the president’s energy directive. The company, which is focused on advancing its past-producing Sunday mine complex in Colorado, has seen its share price increase 28 percent since May 21 to trade for C$1.14.
ASX-listed companies have also been garnering attention. Boss Energy (ASX:BOE,OTCQX:BQSSF), which holds a 30 percent stake in the producing Alta Mesa mine, has received particular interest.
Shares of the joint venture partner for enCore are up 14.27 percent over the last five days, to AU$4.13.
While these companies were among the first to get a boost from Trump's executive orders, there are many other US-focused uranium companies with projects all over the country now awaiting pro-nuclear upticks.
All share price information was obtained from TradingView on May 28, 2025. Data on project status was retrieved from Mining Data Online.
Don’t forget to follow us @INN_Resource for real-time updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Georgia Williams, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Editorial Disclosure: Boss Energy and Western Uranium and Vanadium are clients of the Investing News Network. This article is not paid-for content.
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27 May
Greenvale Energy: Strategic Exploration of Prospective Uranium Assets in Queensland, Northern Territory
Greenvale Energy (ASX:GRV) provides investors with a compelling entry point into the high-growth nuclear energy sector through its highly prospective uranium exploration projects. These are complemented by strategic assets with significant bitumen and renewable geothermal energy potential—all backed by a seasoned management team with a strong track record of delivering shareholder value.
Greenvale is building a diversified portfolio of projects aimed at advancing a sustainable, low-carbon energy future. The company’s assets include early-stage uranium projects in the Northern Territory, the advanced-stage Oasis uranium project in Queensland, and the Alpha Torbanite and Millungera Basin geothermal projects, also in Queensland.
The Alpha Torbanite Project presents a strategic opportunity for Greenvale Energy to support Australia’s infrastructure sector by providing a domestic source of bitumen—a critical material currently supplied entirely through imports. The project hosts a significant Inferred Resource of 28 million tonnes of torbanite and cannel coal, positioning Greenvale to potentially secure a meaningful share of the national bitumen market, which is estimated at around 1 million tonnes annually.
Company Highlights
- Uranium exploration portfolio across the Northern Territory and Queensland
- Advanced-exploration, high-grade Oasis project with intercepts up to 0.72 percent U3O8 (15.8 lbs/ton)
- Strategic coverage of the Northern Territory, with four uranium projects targeting sandstone hosted and unconformity style deposits
- Alpha Torbanite project with 28 Mt inferred resource, positioned to be the only local producer that can supply Australia’s bitumen market (consuming ~1 Mt annually through 100% imported material)
- Millungera Basin geothermal project with potential for 3.4 GW continuous power generation
- Experienced board and management team, Chaired by Neil Biddle, founding director of Pilbara Minerals
- Substantial R&D grant support for the Alpha Torbanite project, having successfully secured over $3 million in non-dilutive grant funding
- Projects aligned to the long-term zero-carbon energy transition
This Greenvale Energy's profile is part of a paid investor education campaign.*
Click here to connect with Greenvale Energy (ASX:GRV) to receive an Investor Presentation
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27 May
Greenvale Energy
Investor Insight
Greenvale Energy offers investors exposure to the high-growth nuclear energy sector through its highly prospective uranium projects, complemented by strategic assets with high-value bitumen and renewable geothermal energy potential, all managed by an experienced team with a proven track record of shareholder value creation.
Company Highlights
- Uranium exploration portfolio across the Northern Territory and Queensland
- Advanced-exploration, high-grade Oasis project with intercepts up to 0.72 percent U3O8 (15.8 lbs/ton)
- Strategic coverage of the Northern Territory, with four uranium projects targeting sandstone hosted and unconformity style deposits
- Alpha Torbanite project with 28 Mt inferred resource, positioned to be the only local producer that can supply Australia’s bitumen market (consuming ~1 Mt annually through 100 percent imported material)
- Millungera Basin geothermal project with potential for 3.4 GW continuous power generation
- Experienced board and management team, Chaired by Neil Biddle, founding director of Pilbara Minerals
- Substantial R&D grant support for the Alpha Torbanite project, having successfully secured over $3 million in non-dilutive grant funding
- Projects aligned to the long-term zero-carbon energy transition
Overview
Greenvale Energy (ASX:GRV) is an ASX-listed exploration company with a portfolio of projects that will support a sustainable, low-carbon future. The Company has early-stage uranium exploration projects in the Northern Territory, the Oasis advanced-exploration project in Queensland and the Alpha Torbanite and Millungera Basin geothermal projects in Queensland. The Company believes the best way to create long-term shareholder value is by investing in exploration, to make discoveries and grow its resource-base.
The company's uranium projects in Queensland and the Northern Territory are particularly significant as global nuclear energy demand accelerates. With nuclear power projected to grow 300 percent by 2050, with nuclear power forecast to supply 30 percent of global power demand, Greenvale is positioned perfectly to leverage the expanding and globally-significant market opportunity. Major technology companies including Amazon, Google and Meta have committed to supporting the goal of tripling global nuclear capacity by 2050, further validating the sector's growth trajectory.Greenvale's portfolio includes the promising Oasis uranium project with high-grade intercepts up to 0.72 percent U3O8, four uranium projects across the Northern Territory, the Alpha Torbanite project, and the Millungera geothermal project in Queensland.
Key Projects
Uranium Projects
Oasis Project (Queensland)
The Oasis project is an advanced-exploration Project, featuring exceptional high-grade intercepts up to 0.72 percent U3O8 (15.8 lbs/ton). Originally discovered in 1973, the deposit has seen sporadic exploration including significant work by Esso in 1978/79. The project area contains extensive radiometric anomalies with multiple faults and fractures controlling the distribution of uranium mineralization.
Greenvale has developed a comprehensive work program for Oasis, beginning with regional geological field prospecting and reconnaissance, followed geophysical and geochemical surveys across the Oasis prospect and regional areas. These preliminary works are key to develop and refine targets for Greenvale’s planned maiden drill program at Oasis.
Northern Territory Uranium Projects
Greenvale has four strategic uranium projects in the Northern Territory: Jindare project in Douglas River, Henbury, Elkedra and Tobermorey. These projects target sandstone hosted and unconformity style uranium mineralization, with particular focus on areas where uranium-bearing waters may interact with hydrocarbons, creating optimal conditions for uranium deposition. The geology of these assets is similar to uranium deposits in Kazakhstan, the world’s leading producer of uranium.
The Henbury project is particularly noteworthy, located on the edge of the Amadeus Basin, a major hydrocarbon basin in the Northern Territory. Following research from Geoscience Australia, Greenvale is targeting areas at the margins of hydrocarbon cap-rocks near active structures, which represent prime locations for uranium mineralization.
Alpha Torbanite Project
The Alpha Torbanite Project represents a unique opportunity to supply Australia's infrastructure sector with domestically-produced bitumen. The project features a substantial 28 Mt inferred resource of torbanite and cannel coal, positioning Greenvale to potentially capture a significant share of Australia's annual bitumen consumption (currently assessed as approximately 1 Mt all serviced through material imported from overseas).
Torbanite is a rare type of oil shale containing exceptionally high concentrations of algal-derived hydrocarbons that can be processed to produce high-quality bitumen products. This natural conversion capability makes torbanite deposits like Alpha particularly valuable for infrastructure applications as they can yield bitumen substitutes with properties comparable to petroleum-derived products.
To date, the company has been able to secure over $3 million in non-dilutive R&D grant funding to support project development.. The Company's test program continues to show improved results, with test program 7 planned to produce a bulk sample for certification. Certification will underpin the progression of feasibility studies that will define the full economic potential of the project.
Queensland Geothermal Project
Greenvale's Millungera Basin geothermal project targets one of Australia's most prospective areas for geothermal energy. The basin contains the hottest rock formations in Queensland, with a total identified stored thermal energy potential exceeding 611,000 PJ (at 90 percent probability). Technical reports indicate the potential for an estimated annual electricity generation of 29,621 GWh from inferred resource areas, with capacity to produce 3.4 GW continuously.
Management Team
Neil Biddle - Executive Chairman
A geologist with over 40 years' experience in exploration and mining, Neil Biddle was a founding director of Pilbara Minerals, where he oversaw the acquisition, exploration and development of the world-class Pilgangoora lithium project. His extensive industry experience provides Greenvale with strong leadership and strategic direction.
Alex Cheeseman - Chief Executive Officer
A highly experienced Australian resources executive, Alex Cheeseman has over 20 years’ experience in operational leadership and project development across a range of industries. He has held general manager and CEO-level roles in a number of ASX-listed exploration and mining companies with experience in a range of commodities including iron ore, lithium and base metals. He has a demonstrated track record of success in resource project development, capital markets, corporate development and commodity marketing.
Elias Khouri - Non-executive Director
Bringing extensive experience in equity capital markets, Elias Khouri offers expertise in corporate finance, advisory, capital raisings and joint venture negotiations, enhancing the company's financial and strategic capabilities.
John Barr - Non-executive Director
John Barr is a chartered accountant with more than 25 years of experience as a company director. He was a founding director of Mosman Oil and Gas. His extensive Australian and international experience spans manufacturing, mining and oil and gas industries.
Peter Harding-Smith - Chief Financial Officer & Company Secretary
Peter Harding-Smith brings extensive experience in company financial reporting, corporate regulatory and governance areas, business acquisition and disposal due diligence, capital raising, and company secretarial responsibilities.
Zoe Stackhouse - Exploration Manager
Zoe Stackhouse is a geologist with 20 years' experience in unconventional gas exploration and production. Stackhouse also serves as secretary of the Australian Geothermal Association, bringing specialized expertise to Greenvale's geothermal initiatives.
Mark Turner - Technical Consultant (Alpha Project)
An engineer with over 25 years' experience in the energy sector, Mark Turner has a proven track record of major project delivery across oil & gas, water, power, renewables and nuclear projects.
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27 May
Blue Sky Uranium: Argentina’s Emerging Uranium Resource Developer
Blue Sky Uranium (TSXV:BSK,OTC:BKUCF)provides investors with a compelling opportunity to gain exposure to the uranium market through its strategic foothold in Argentina’s emerging uranium sector. Backed by a substantial resource base, robust project economics, and a strong joint venture partnership, the company has a clear pathway to potential production.
Blue Sky Uranium is positioning itself as a leading force in uranium exploration and development in Argentina. As part of the renowned Grosso Group—pioneers in Argentine mineral exploration since 1993 and contributors to four major mineral discoveries—Blue Sky leverages decades of in-country expertise and well-established local partnerships.
The company’s flagship Amarillo Grande Project is a unique, company-led discovery marking Argentina’s newest uranium-vanadium district. Spanning over 145 kilometers and covering more than 300,000 hectares in Rio Negro Province, this district-scale project hosts the largest NI 43-101-compliant uranium resource in Argentina at its Ivana deposit. With this strategic asset, Blue Sky is well-positioned to become the country’s first domestic uranium supplier, supporting a growing nuclear energy program that currently relies entirely on imported fuel.
Company Highlights
- Significant Uranium Resource: Controls the largest NI 43-101 compliant uranium resource in Argentina with 17 Mlbs U3O8 in indicated resources and 3.8 Mlbs in inferred resources, plus valuable vanadium credits.
- Positive Economics: 2024 PEA shows robust economics with after-tax NPV8 percent of US$227.7 million and 38.9 percent IRR at base case uranium price of US$75/lb.
- Low-cost Production Potential: Near-surface mineralization with no blasting required, hosted in loosely consolidated sediments, making for potentially low mining costs.
- Strategic JV Partnership: Secured an earn-in agreement with COAM to advance the Ivana deposit with no funding required by Blue Sky through development. COAM will spend up to US$35 million to earn up to a 49.9 percent interest, and can further earn up to 80 percent by funding development costs to production (up to US$160 million).
- Strong Uranium Market Fundamentals: Global uranium market faces supply deficits with increasing demand from nuclear power generation, with prices strengthening significantly since 2023.
- Domestic Market Opportunity: Argentina has three operational nuclear plants with others under construction or planned, yet imports all uranium for fuel. National legislation guarantees purchase of domestically produced uranium.
- ISR Project Pipeline: New projects in the Neuquen Basin provide future growth through potential in-situ recovery operations, a method that produces 57 percent of the world's uranium with minimal environmental impact.
This Blue Sky Uranium profile is part of a paid investor education campaign.*
Click here to connect with Blue Sky Uranium (TSXV:BSK) to receive an Investor Presentation
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26 May
Uranium Investors Bullish as Trump Signs Executive Orders to Boost Nuclear Industry
Nuclear energy and uranium stocks surged after US President Donald Trump signed a sweeping set of executive orders aimed at overhauling nuclear policy and accelerating the deployment of next-generation reactors.
The orders, which were signed on May 23 with industry leaders present, mark the Trump administration’s most aggressive push yet to redefine nuclear power as central to America’s energy, technological and defense future.
“We’re also talking about the big plants — the very, very big, the biggest,” Trump said during the signing ceremony at the Oval Office. “We’re going to be doing them also, but I think our focus today is the smaller module.”
Oklo (NYSE:OKLO) and NuScale (NYSE:SMR), both of which are small modular reactor (SMR) developers, soared by 23 and 19 percent, respectively. Constellation Energy (NASDAQ:CEG), the nation’s largest nuclear operator, gained 2 percent, while Canada-based uranium producer Cameco (TSX:CCO,NYSE:CCJ)rose by nearly 11 percent.
US uranium-focused firms Uranium Energy (NYSEAMERICAN:UEC), Energy Fuels (TSX:EFR,NYSEAMERICAN:UUUU) and Centrus Energy (NYSEAMERICAN:LEU) saw gains ranging from 19.6 to 24.2 percent.
The Global X Uranium ETF (ARCA:URA), which tracks uranium-related equities, jumped more than 11.6 percent.
Fast-tracking nuclear reactor licenses
One of Trump's orders instructs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to finalize decisions on reactor license applications within 18 months and overhaul its current regulatory framework.
The directive calls for internal reorganization, overseen in part by the Office of Management and Budget and the Department of Government Efficiency, better known as DOGE.
Analysts warn this could weaken the NRC’s operational independence.
Though the order does not formally place the NRC under White House supervision, critics point to a prior executive order in February as evidence of a broader strategy to curtail regulatory autonomy.
Despite potential concerns over staffing and capacity, the Trump administration is clear in its expectations — it wants to see a rapid licensing process to facilitate commercial and defense-related nuclear buildouts.
AI and national security integration
Titled "Deploying Nuclear Reactor Technologies for National Security,” another of Trump's orders calls for a nuclear reactor to be operational at a domestic military base by September 30, 2028.
Through this directive, the president has tasked the Department of Energy (DOE) with designating artificial intelligence (AI) data centers co-located at DOE sites as “critical defense facilities,” with their nuclear power sources categorized as “defense critical electric infrastructure.” The goal is to ensure stable, high-density, dispatchable power for both military readiness and the growing energy needs of AI computing infrastructure.
This order also instructs the Department of Defense and the DOE to explore categorical exclusions under the National Environmental Policy Act for reactor construction on federal sites, an attempt to further expedite deployment.
Reviving fuel supply chains and recycling
The administration is also attempting to reboot the US nuclear fuel cycle.
The DOE has been directed to release 20 metric tons of high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) into a commercial fuel bank for private sector use. This move marks a significant policy shift in that it directs the DOE to identify usable plutonium and uranium in its inventory for potential recycling into nuclear fuel — a move that bucks decades of US reluctance toward commercial reprocessing due to proliferation risks.
There are currently no commercial nuclear fuel recycling facilities in the US, and the order’s provisions could encourage the creation of a domestic market for recycled fuel. This work could become especially important as international competitors like China and Russia continue to develop similar capabilities.
International push and export diplomacy
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been directed to lead negotiations under Section 123 of the Atomic Energy Act to facilitate nuclear technology exports. Within 90 days, the administration has been told to develop strategies to increase financing and technical assistance for civil nuclear projects in partner countries.
The goal is to disrupt what the administration sees as growing foreign control over the nuclear industry — 87 percent of new reactor builds globally rely on non-US designs, and most of the world's nuclear fuel supply originates abroad.
“By instructing the Department of State and other agencies to aggressively pursue export opportunities, this Order will strengthen our relationships with our allies and disrupt potential industry control by adversaries,” the White House said in a fact sheet released alongside last week's executive orders.
Domestic workforce and reactor testing
Another order, “Reinvigorating the Nuclear Industrial Base,” calls for measures to support workforce development, modernize waste management strategies and complete or restart dormant nuclear construction projects.
It also mandates an updated report on the fuel cycle and related infrastructure — effectively a follow up to the 2020 “Strategy to Restore American Nuclear Energy Leadership” published under Trump’s first term.
While the order “Reforming Nuclear Reactor Testing at the DOE” stops short of demanding new test facilities, it instructs the national laboratory system to expand capacity for testing new reactors, potentially reviving interest in the Versatile Test Reactor project, which was canceled due to congressional defunding during the Biden administration.
Observers note that much of the Trump administration’s current nuclear policy builds upon previous initiatives — such as the 2017 Nuclear Energy Innovation and Capabilities Act, and Biden-era investments in HALEU and SMRs.
However, the new executive orders notably reflect a deliberate departure from longstanding caution around regulatory independence and nuclear fuel recycling.
Don’t forget to follow us @INN_Resource for real-time updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
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