Uranium mining takes uranium ore from the ground for processing. Kazakhstan, Canada, and Australia are the top three producers and together account for 64% of world uranium production. Uranium from mining is mostly used as fuel for nuclear power plants. Health and environmental studies show that radiation exposure poses a risk for uranium miners. In 1990, Congress passed legislation to help those affected by mining. As of July 2014, the price of uranium concentrate remained near a five-year low, the uranium price having fallen more than 50% from the peak price in January 2011, and reflecting loss of demand following the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster. Some plans for new mines and mine expansion have been deferred.
Uranium mining
Questions and Answers
Q: What is uranium mining?
A: Uranium mining is the process of extracting uranium ore from the ground for processing.
Q: Which are the top three producers of uranium in the world?
A: Kazakhstan, Canada, and Australia are the top three producers of uranium, and they together account for 64% of world uranium production.
Q: How is uranium from mining mainly used?
A: Uranium from mining is mostly used as fuel for nuclear power plants.
Q: What is the risk uranium miners may face according to studies?
A: Health and environmental studies have shown that radiation exposure poses a risk for uranium miners.
Q: Has the government done anything to help those affected by uranium mining?
A: In 1990, Congress passed legislation to help those affected by mining.
Q: Why has the price of uranium concentrate decreased significantly in the last few years?
A: The price of uranium concentrate has fallen more than 50% from the peak price in January 2011 reflecting loss of demand following the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster.
Q: What has been the impact of the Fukushima nuclear disaster on plans for new mines and mine expansion?
A: Some plans for new mines and mine expansion have been deferred due to the loss of demand following the Fukushima nuclear disaster.