# Depleted Uranium and Spent Fuel Are Sustainable Energy Assets, Not Waste: 131 Sourced Claims, Contested Facts & Evidence Breeder reactors and advanced reprocessing can repurpose enrichment tails and spent fuel, ending the linear fuel-to-waste paradigm. Authors: nineDan HTML: https://moyomap.com/maps/depleted-uranium-spent-fuel Markdown: https://moyomap.com/maps/depleted-uranium-spent-fuel.md License: HTML and markdown are for reading and citation. Bulk copying and AI training need a written license. See /terms and /developers#maps-data. Cite a claim as: MoyoMap, "Depleted Uranium and Spent Fuel Are Sustainable Energy Assets, Not Waste: 131 Sourced Claims, Contested Facts & Evidence", claim {id}, https://moyomap.com/maps/depleted-uranium-spent-fuel.md#{id}. “Moyo, a product of SenTeGuard Inc.” ### Closed fuel cycles and fast reactors transform enrichment tails and spent fuel from waste into primary energy reserves. Id: claim_1dff4819e0b407f8ab056439 Parent: topic_HVjouMspaQCFW8iFr0RQ Depth: 1 Existing stockpiles of depleted uranium tails possess sufficient energy content to power commercial reactors for centuries without new mining. Labels: Inferred, High, investigate ### In 2018, world uranium production totaled approximately 53,499 tonnes. Id: claim_88b5886fc931471a5a3cac5f Parent: topic_HVjouMspaQCFW8iFr0RQ Depth: 1 In 2018, world uranium production totaled approximately 53,499 tonnes. Labels: Inferred, Medium, investigate ### The United States relies heavily on foreign sources for both natural uranium and enriched uranium. Id: claim_8e018a65ce902f75a4cec344 Parent: topic_HVjouMspaQCFW8iFr0RQ Depth: 1 The United States relies heavily on foreign sources for both natural uranium and enriched uranium. Labels: Inferred, High, investigate ### Nuclear Fuel Supply Chain Steps Id: section_02d4de6865f233f893cbfcc1 Parent: topic_HVjouMspaQCFW8iFr0RQ Depth: 1 Nuclear Fuel Supply Chain Steps Labels: Inferred, Low ### Uranium Fundamentals Id: section_a7a46bb0500a253398a9fbc8 Parent: topic_HVjouMspaQCFW8iFr0RQ Depth: 1 Uranium Fundamentals Labels: Inferred, Low #### Russian enrichment tails have an average residual U-235 assay of ~0.10%, compared to ~0.22% for Western enric… Id: claim_05627fd312a3bce0d49a890c Parent: claim_1dff4819e0b407f8ab056439 Depth: 2 Russian enrichment tails have an average residual U-235 assay of ~0.10%, compared to ~0.22% for Western enrichment facilities. Labels: Inferred, Low #### Neutron-induced radiation damage restricts fuel burnup in fast breeder reactors to roughly 10% to 15% FIMA in… Id: claim_05ff16480afa1f936b156680 Parent: claim_1dff4819e0b407f8ab056439 Depth: 2 Neutron-induced radiation damage restricts fuel burnup in fast breeder reactors to roughly 10% to 15% FIMA in a single irradiation pass, preventing complete fissioning of depleted uranium without repeated fuel reconditioning. Labels: Inferred, Low #### In 2018, four countries supplied over 75% of global uranium output. Id: claim_1a68f135d932053936b05bd8 Parent: claim_88b5886fc931471a5a3cac5f Depth: 2 In 2018, four countries supplied over 75% of global uranium output. Labels: Inferred, Medium, investigate #### Global depleted uranium stockpiles stood at 1.2 million tU according to 1999 estimates, with the potential to… Id: claim_1c14c0355404136d15f8eeb9 Parent: claim_1dff4819e0b407f8ab056439 Depth: 2 Global depleted uranium stockpiles stood at 1.2 million tU according to 1999 estimates, with the potential to yield up to 452,000 tU of equivalent natural uranium via re-enrichment. Labels: Inferred, Low #### Light water reactors utilize only about 0.6% of natural uranium feed, requiring 8 to 10 tons of natural urani… Id: claim_214c3dd563a9ffcf6ad4a75b Parent: claim_1dff4819e0b407f8ab056439 Depth: 2 Light water reactors utilize only about 0.6% of natural uranium feed, requiring 8 to 10 tons of natural uranium to produce 1 ton of enriched fuel while discarding 7 to 9 tons as tails. Labels: Inferred, Low #### Global depleted uranium inventories grow by 50,000 to 60,000 metric tonnes of uranium annually from ongoing e… Id: claim_2415efd7c2e02cbc0777b1ff Parent: claim_1dff4819e0b407f8ab056439 Depth: 2 Global depleted uranium inventories grow by 50,000 to 60,000 metric tonnes of uranium annually from ongoing enrichment operations. Labels: Inferred, Low #### Between 2001 and 2006, Russia commercially processed depleted tails under re-enrichment contracts that suppli… Id: claim_2ee83f0a5e8de4aab8ccc416 Parent: claim_1dff4819e0b407f8ab056439 Depth: 2 Between 2001 and 2006, Russia commercially processed depleted tails under re-enrichment contracts that supplied up to roughly 1,000 tons per year of re-enriched uranium to the European Union. Labels: Inferred, Low #### Approximately 80% of global depleted uranium inventories are held by the United States and the Russian Federa… Id: claim_3164351b628343c3c55bf2e6 Parent: claim_1dff4819e0b407f8ab056439 Depth: 2 Approximately 80% of global depleted uranium inventories are held by the United States and the Russian Federation, predominantly in the form of depleted uranium hexafluoride (DUF6). Labels: Source-linked, Low #### Fast reactor fleet deployment is constrained by fissile startup inventory shortages, resulting in plutonium i… Id: claim_33840b726ea4bbb0ca2ff42e Parent: claim_1dff4819e0b407f8ab056439 Depth: 2 Fast reactor fleet deployment is constrained by fissile startup inventory shortages, resulting in plutonium inventory doubling times of 24 to 44 years at breeding gains of 0.2 to 0.3. Labels: Source-linked, Low #### France reprocesses 1,100 tonnes of spent nuclear fuel each year into 11 tonnes of plutonium and 1,045 tonnes… Id: claim_3f05cc95359008147335d5e7 Parent: claim_1dff4819e0b407f8ab056439 Depth: 2 France reprocesses 1,100 tonnes of spent nuclear fuel each year into 11 tonnes of plutonium and 1,045 tonnes of reprocessed uranium, holding the reprocessed uranium in storage for up to 250 years as a strategic reserve. Labels: Source-linked, Low #### Global depleted uranium stockpiles (~1.6 million tonnes), when deployed in closed-cycle fast-neutron reactors… Id: claim_570751066c06467f7ad0b51d Parent: claim_1dff4819e0b407f8ab056439 Depth: 2 Global depleted uranium stockpiles (~1.6 million tonnes), when deployed in closed-cycle fast-neutron reactors alongside known uranium reserves, could support nuclear power generation for millennia rather than centuries. Labels: Source-linked, Low #### The nuclear fuel supply chain involves multiple industrial steps to transform raw uranium into usable reactor… Id: claim_5b6b844d47b07b3d48ed76db Parent: section_02d4de6865f233f893cbfcc1 Depth: 2 The nuclear fuel supply chain involves multiple industrial steps to transform raw uranium into usable reactor fuel. Labels: Source-linked, Medium, investigate #### The World Nuclear Association estimates global depleted uranium stockpiles at approximately 1.6 million tonne… Id: claim_5d25764e1c13d68362ea215d Parent: claim_1dff4819e0b407f8ab056439 Depth: 2 The World Nuclear Association estimates global depleted uranium stockpiles at approximately 1.6 million tonnes. Labels: Source-linked, Low #### The United States deconversion plants at Portsmouth and Paducah, with respective capacities of 13,500 and 18,… Id: claim_609b0e271d71ff64bfab0afc Parent: claim_1dff4819e0b407f8ab056439 Depth: 2 The United States deconversion plants at Portsmouth and Paducah, with respective capacities of 13,500 and 18,000 tonnes of DUF6 per year, processed 100,000 tonnes of depleted uranium between December 2009 and January 2021 toward final disposal. Labels: Inferred, Low #### Russia's operational BN-800 commercial fast reactor operates on mixed uranium-plutonium oxide (MOX) fuel rath… Id: claim_63d7cd385fd272cdb92f7116 Parent: claim_1dff4819e0b407f8ab056439 Depth: 2 Russia's operational BN-800 commercial fast reactor operates on mixed uranium-plutonium oxide (MOX) fuel rather than depleted uranium alone. Labels: Inferred, Low #### In 2022, the U.S. Id: claim_69bb6dddd27f4011cb246c2d Parent: claim_8e018a65ce902f75a4cec344 Depth: 2 In 2022, the U.S. imported 27% of its natural uranium from Canada. Labels: Inferred, High, investigate #### China produced 1,885 tonnes of uranium. Id: claim_6e157f961c917635d2460ca2 Parent: claim_88b5886fc931471a5a3cac5f Depth: 2 China produced 1,885 tonnes of uranium. Labels: Inferred, Medium, investigate #### Russia produced 2,904 tonnes of uranium. Id: claim_6ed68261cd5a21682e7a0329 Parent: claim_88b5886fc931471a5a3cac5f Depth: 2 Russia produced 2,904 tonnes of uranium. Labels: Inferred, Medium, investigate #### The steady-state depleted or natural uranium top-up requirement for a fast reactor is roughly 1 gram per MW-d… Id: claim_6fe586720fc54fb6c6cca5fa Parent: claim_1dff4819e0b407f8ab056439 Depth: 2 The steady-state depleted or natural uranium top-up requirement for a fast reactor is roughly 1 gram per MW-day, representing about 1% to 2% of the uranium required for an equivalent light water reactor. Labels: Inferred, Low #### A 2006 U.S. Id: claim_73b671d78dabbed624d38f64 Parent: claim_1dff4819e0b407f8ab056439 Depth: 2 A 2006 U.S. DOE database recorded approximately 479,000 tons of depleted uranium stored as UF6 in the United States, containing about 1,330 tons of U-235 at concentrations of 0.2–0.3%. Labels: Inferred, Low #### Published supercritical-pressure light-water-cooled fast reactor designs require an initial fissile plutonium… Id: claim_83e75a2d348e2c49ccd5c9a5 Parent: claim_1dff4819e0b407f8ab056439 Depth: 2 Published supercritical-pressure light-water-cooled fast reactor designs require an initial fissile plutonium inventory of approximately 12 tonnes for a 1,700 MWe unit. Labels: Source-linked, Low #### The U-235 concentration in US depleted uranium tails (~1,330 t U-235 at 0.279% average assay) has volume-aver… Id: claim_8685242b652650512fe61ed0 Parent: claim_1dff4819e0b407f8ab056439 Depth: 2 The U-235 concentration in US depleted uranium tails (~1,330 t U-235 at 0.279% average assay) has volume-averaged concentrations higher than certain natural uranium ore grades. Labels: Inferred, Low #### Fast-neutron reactors utilize uranium roughly 60 times more efficiently than standard thermal reactors by con… Id: claim_93e75e1fb9e7e4bbd72ac396 Parent: claim_1dff4819e0b407f8ab056439 Depth: 2 Fast-neutron reactors utilize uranium roughly 60 times more efficiently than standard thermal reactors by converting U-238 to Pu-239 and through direct fission of U-238 at neutron energies above 1 MeV. Labels: Source-linked, Low #### No commercial-scale fast-neutron reactors are presently deployed to utilize depleted uranium tails. Id: claim_967d7f53b46a5159bcd97709 Parent: claim_1dff4819e0b407f8ab056439 Depth: 2 No commercial-scale fast-neutron reactors are presently deployed to utilize depleted uranium tails. Labels: Inferred, Low #### In 2022, the U.S. Id: claim_9e79ca2bd973ca2bf07a5f45 Parent: claim_8e018a65ce902f75a4cec344 Depth: 2 In 2022, the U.S. imported 25% of its natural uranium from Kazakhstan. Labels: Inferred, High, investigate #### Russian BN-1200 fast reactor construction was delayed after initial rejection in 2015 for lack of competitive… Id: claim_9eda68bd7022029ab5fe7278 Parent: claim_1dff4819e0b407f8ab056439 Depth: 2 Russian BN-1200 fast reactor construction was delayed after initial rejection in 2015 for lack of competitive economic advantage against PWRs, with site clearance underway in 2026 and first nuclear concrete planned for late 2027. Labels: Source-linked, Low #### Uzbekistan produced 2,404 tonnes of uranium. Id: claim_a32f1df8642d9862898b6b12 Parent: claim_88b5886fc931471a5a3cac5f Depth: 2 Uzbekistan produced 2,404 tonnes of uranium. Labels: Inferred, Medium, investigate #### The energy potential of unused uranium stored in the United Kingdom was calculated to equal 40,000 million to… Id: claim_d20833257feac526029d09fa Parent: claim_1dff4819e0b407f8ab056439 Depth: 2 The energy potential of unused uranium stored in the United Kingdom was calculated to equal 40,000 million tons of coal. Labels: Source-linked, Low #### Global depleted uranium stockpile estimates range between 1.2 million and 2.0 million metric tonnes of uraniu… Id: claim_d846fe935c4504bf4749b982 Parent: claim_1dff4819e0b407f8ab056439 Depth: 2 Global depleted uranium stockpile estimates range between 1.2 million and 2.0 million metric tonnes of uranium across authoritative international sources. Labels: Inferred, Low #### The worldwide operational commercial fast reactor fleet totals approximately 1.38 GWe net across two Russian… Id: claim_dccf3e729c869505839c7b07 Parent: claim_1dff4819e0b407f8ab056439 Depth: 2 The worldwide operational commercial fast reactor fleet totals approximately 1.38 GWe net across two Russian units (Beloyarsk 3 at 560 MWe and Beloyarsk 4 at 820 MWe), representing about 0.35% of global nuclear capacity. Labels: Source-linked, Low #### Uranium is a relatively common element found in the Earth's crust. Id: claim_e4f9c13309c0f0f9b9fbf08e Parent: section_a7a46bb0500a253398a9fbc8 Depth: 2 Uranium is a relatively common element found in the Earth's crust. Labels: Inferred, Medium, investigate #### Utilizing accumulated depleted uranium stocks in a closed fuel cycle with advanced fast-spectrum reactors wou… Id: claim_eaa5c253d33b070a6d734f61 Parent: claim_1dff4819e0b407f8ab056439 Depth: 2 Utilizing accumulated depleted uranium stocks in a closed fuel cycle with advanced fast-spectrum reactors would supply sufficient fuel for several centuries of global nuclear power generation at current levels. Labels: Source-linked, Low #### US depleted uranium stockpiles could provide up to 20 centuries of total 2010 US electricity supply if utiliz… Id: claim_eb2ed81a5173ef9ce0a244c3 Parent: claim_1dff4819e0b407f8ab056439 Depth: 2 US depleted uranium stockpiles could provide up to 20 centuries of total 2010 US electricity supply if utilized in breed-and-burn reactors. Labels: Inferred, Low #### Niger produced 2,911 tonnes of uranium. Id: claim_eb68c7f7799a09f91cf01332 Parent: claim_88b5886fc931471a5a3cac5f Depth: 2 Niger produced 2,911 tonnes of uranium. Labels: Inferred, Medium, investigate #### Depleted uranium tails from a typical PWR fuel cycle could generate 561,000 MWd/tonne at 80% utilization in f… Id: claim_f0b84e8aec3fc57c5d853323 Parent: claim_1dff4819e0b407f8ab056439 Depth: 2 Depleted uranium tails from a typical PWR fuel cycle could generate 561,000 MWd/tonne at 80% utilization in fast breeder reactors, yielding 100 times more energy than the initial thermal cycle. Labels: Inferred, Low #### The U.S. Id: claim_fd97679dd130e856f6be9836 Parent: claim_1dff4819e0b407f8ab056439 Depth: 2 The U.S. Department of Energy holds more than 700,000 metric tons of depleted uranium tails stored across roughly 63,000 metal cylinders in Paducah, Kentucky, and Portsmouth, Ohio. Labels: Inferred, Low ##### Enrichment of 1,000 kg natural uranium to ~5% U-235 typically yields only ~85 kg enriched product and ~915 kg… Id: claim_0469a099957676de2ccb118a Parent: claim_5b6b844d47b07b3d48ed76db Depth: 3 Enrichment of 1,000 kg natural uranium to ~5% U-235 typically yields only ~85 kg enriched product and ~915 kg depleted UF₆ "tails" (0.2–0.3% U-235). Labels: Inferred, High ##### Australia produced 6,517 tonnes of uranium in 2018, accounting for 12.18% of global output. Id: claim_068f665b783eebd5c55319d4 Parent: claim_1a68f135d932053936b05bd8 Depth: 3 Australia produced 6,517 tonnes of uranium in 2018, accounting for 12.18% of global output. Labels: Inferred, Medium, investigate ##### Without the production cut, Kazakhstan's 2018 uranium production would have exceeded 27,000 tU. Id: claim_07012d60160cc6bb196ccec6 Parent: claim_1a68f135d932053936b05bd8 Depth: 3 Without the production cut, Kazakhstan's 2018 uranium production would have exceeded 27,000 tU. Labels: Inferred, High ##### Adjustments to Uzbekistan's and Ukraine's 2018 uranium production figures, along with rounding, resulted in a… Id: claim_14d77fa38d52619711acde8b Parent: claim_1a68f135d932053936b05bd8 Depth: 3 Adjustments to Uzbekistan's and Ukraine's 2018 uranium production figures, along with rounding, resulted in a higher world total of 54,154 tU, while the output of the four leading countries remained unchanged. Labels: Source-linked, Medium ##### Natural UF₆ from conversion is drained as a liquid into specially designed ~14-tonne (or >15 t full) thick-wa… Id: claim_178cdfa01c234b2aad6fa452 Parent: claim_5b6b844d47b07b3d48ed76db Depth: 3 Natural UF₆ from conversion is drained as a liquid into specially designed ~14-tonne (or >15 t full) thick-walled steel cylinders. Labels: Inferred, High ##### Deconversion is a distinct post-enrichment (or parallel) industrial step that chemically removes fluorine fro… Id: claim_1bd098c9f5311475ccce3648 Parent: claim_5b6b844d47b07b3d48ed76db Depth: 3 Deconversion is a distinct post-enrichment (or parallel) industrial step that chemically removes fluorine from depleted UF₆ tails (or HALEU UF₆). Labels: Inferred, High ##### The decline in Canada's uranium output was caused by Cameco's suspension of the McArthur River mine and the K… Id: claim_21a6dc8bf3647de82a85ba29 Parent: claim_1a68f135d932053936b05bd8 Depth: 3 The decline in Canada's uranium output was caused by Cameco's suspension of the McArthur River mine and the Key Lake mill, which began in late January 2018 and was made indefinite in July 2018. Labels: Source-linked, High ##### Canada produced 7,001 tonnes of uranium in 2018, accounting for 13.09% of global output. Id: claim_3b73939f2e3aae69cc479a0d Parent: claim_1a68f135d932053936b05bd8 Depth: 3 Canada produced 7,001 tonnes of uranium in 2018, accounting for 13.09% of global output. Labels: Inferred, Medium, investigate ##### Namibia's rise into the top four uranium producers in 2018, with an output of 5,525 tU, was driven by the ram… Id: claim_3e65636af530cd0df57c2df2 Parent: claim_1a68f135d932053936b05bd8 Depth: 3 Namibia's rise into the top four uranium producers in 2018, with an output of 5,525 tU, was driven by the ramp-up of the Husab mine. Labels: Inferred, High ##### Mining and milling is a step in the nuclear fuel supply chain where uranium ore is extracted and processed in… Id: claim_4d412a571327131b407c9e32 Parent: claim_5b6b844d47b07b3d48ed76db Depth: 3 Mining and milling is a step in the nuclear fuel supply chain where uranium ore is extracted and processed into yellowcake (uranium oxide concentrate). Labels: Source-linked, Medium, investigate ##### Impurity removal occurs at each stage of the yellowcake to UF₆ conversion process. Id: claim_51b2d15d32f74be8cf60bc23 Parent: claim_5b6b844d47b07b3d48ed76db Depth: 3 Impurity removal occurs at each stage of the yellowcake to UF₆ conversion process. Labels: Inferred, Medium ##### Canada's 2018 uranium output was 7,001 tU, representing a 47% drop from 13,116 tU in 2017. Id: claim_6621cccfdc9cb29a85bed2c7 Parent: claim_1a68f135d932053936b05bd8 Depth: 3 Canada's 2018 uranium output was 7,001 tU, representing a 47% drop from 13,116 tU in 2017. Labels: Inferred, High ##### Later WNA tables raised Uzbekistan’s 2018 uranium figure from 2,404 tU to 3,450 tU. Id: claim_6943352d3da5855acac4c2f6 Parent: claim_1a68f135d932053936b05bd8 Depth: 3 Later WNA tables raised Uzbekistan’s 2018 uranium figure from 2,404 tU to 3,450 tU. Labels: Source-linked, Medium ##### Kazatomprom announced a three-year, 20% reduction in uranium production starting in January 2018, which was i… Id: claim_6c82ff2a7c805100094446a6 Parent: claim_1a68f135d932053936b05bd8 Depth: 3 Kazatomprom announced a three-year, 20% reduction in uranium production starting in January 2018, which was intended to align production with oversupplied markets. Labels: Source-linked, High ##### Deconversion also recovers HF for recycle or sale. Id: claim_7175c90db499751559b506f1 Parent: claim_5b6b844d47b07b3d48ed76db Depth: 3 Deconversion also recovers HF for recycle or sale. Labels: Inferred, High ##### The wet process for converting yellowcake to UF₆, dominant outside the US, involves dissolution in nitric aci… Id: claim_796ea50e9d371b55db4fbaeb Parent: claim_5b6b844d47b07b3d48ed76db Depth: 3 The wet process for converting yellowcake to UF₆, dominant outside the US, involves dissolution in nitric acid to uranyl nitrate, solvent extraction/purification, calcination/reduction with H₂ to UO₂, hydrofluorination with HF to UF₄ ("green salt"), and then reaction with F₂ in a fluidized bed or flame tower to UF₆. Labels: Inferred, High ##### Later WNA tables lowered Ukraine’s 2018 uranium figure from 1,180 tU to 790 tU. Id: claim_87336d0473db293865edeb91 Parent: claim_1a68f135d932053936b05bd8 Depth: 3 Later WNA tables lowered Ukraine’s 2018 uranium figure from 1,180 tU to 790 tU. Labels: Source-linked, Medium ##### A dry process for yellowcake conversion, used by US ConverDyn/Metropolis, involves calcination followed by pr… Id: claim_8cf568357357a0c05851da27 Parent: claim_5b6b844d47b07b3d48ed76db Depth: 3 A dry process for yellowcake conversion, used by US ConverDyn/Metropolis, involves calcination followed by producing impure UF₆ which is then refined by distillation. Labels: Inferred, High ##### McArthur River was the world's largest uranium mine at the time of its suspension in 2018. Id: claim_8ebfedebe4244340259d909c Parent: claim_1a68f135d932053936b05bd8 Depth: 3 McArthur River was the world's largest uranium mine at the time of its suspension in 2018. Labels: Source-linked, Medium ##### Global depleted uranium (DU) stockpiles were estimated at ~1.2 million tU in 2021. Id: claim_91e8e56a9dc43f488854fd63 Parent: claim_5b6b844d47b07b3d48ed76db Depth: 3 Global depleted uranium (DU) stockpiles were estimated at ~1.2 million tU in 2021. Labels: Inferred, High ##### Deconversion produces more stable uranium oxides (U₃O₈ or UO₂) suitable for long-term storage/disposal as low… Id: claim_9808904d5da7d60e0906ca04 Parent: claim_5b6b844d47b07b3d48ed76db Depth: 3 Deconversion produces more stable uranium oxides (U₃O₈ or UO₂) suitable for long-term storage/disposal as low-level waste. Labels: Inferred, High ##### Cameco fulfilled existing contracts from inventory and market purchases rather than from production after the… Id: claim_9aa5154fc50b460e7b6de9c1 Parent: claim_1a68f135d932053936b05bd8 Depth: 3 Cameco fulfilled existing contracts from inventory and market purchases rather than from production after the suspension of its mines. Labels: Inferred, Medium ##### Namibia produced 5,525 tonnes of uranium in 2018, accounting for 10.33% of global output. Id: claim_9d2641fbbc7eaba2a1d679f3 Parent: claim_1a68f135d932053936b05bd8 Depth: 3 Namibia produced 5,525 tonnes of uranium in 2018, accounting for 10.33% of global output. Labels: Inferred, Medium, investigate ##### Uranium is the primary raw material for most nuclear fuel. Id: claim_a691e5fcab1ac195eac495d2 Parent: claim_e4f9c13309c0f0f9b9fbf08e Depth: 3 Uranium is the primary raw material for most nuclear fuel. Labels: Source-linked, Medium, investigate ##### The four-country share of global uranium production in 2018 was 75.3% against the later-revised World Nuclear… Id: claim_b1f4d20f3eae997802f2d879 Parent: claim_1a68f135d932053936b05bd8 Depth: 3 The four-country share of global uranium production in 2018 was 75.3% against the later-revised World Nuclear Association (WNA) world total of 54,154 tU. Labels: Source-linked, High ##### Modern higher-burn-up reactor designs (5% enrichment, ~65 GWd/t) reduce the annual front-end material require… Id: claim_bbf25b9308690eae6f76a54f Parent: claim_5b6b844d47b07b3d48ed76db Depth: 3 Modern higher-burn-up reactor designs (5% enrichment, ~65 GWd/t) reduce the annual front-end material requirements for a 1000 MWe light-water reactor to ~192 t U₃O₈ / 163 tU / 241 t UF₆ / 25 t enriched UF₆ / 19.1 t UO₂. Labels: Inferred, High ##### Enrichment is a step in the nuclear fuel supply chain where the concentration of fissile U-235 is increased f… Id: claim_bc823e662bceb9f5158344fa Parent: claim_5b6b844d47b07b3d48ed76db Depth: 3 Enrichment is a step in the nuclear fuel supply chain where the concentration of fissile U-235 is increased from 0.7% to 3-5% for commercial reactors, creating low-enriched uranium (LEU). Labels: Source-linked, Medium, investigate ##### UF₆ sublimes at ~56.5 °C at atmospheric pressure and is highly corrosive when moist. Id: claim_e1f31a304bcacedb8c2ddea5 Parent: claim_5b6b844d47b07b3d48ed76db Depth: 3 UF₆ sublimes at ~56.5 °C at atmospheric pressure and is highly corrosive when moist. Labels: Inferred, High ##### Conversion is a step in the nuclear fuel supply chain where yellowcake is converted to uranium hexafluoride (… Id: claim_e353a8cde45f82c75a49af62 Parent: claim_5b6b844d47b07b3d48ed76db Depth: 3 Conversion is a step in the nuclear fuel supply chain where yellowcake is converted to uranium hexafluoride (UF₆). Labels: Source-linked, Medium, investigate ##### Uranium must be extracted through mining before being processed into reactor fuel. Id: claim_e449702be6429ffec1c8adbf Parent: claim_5b6b844d47b07b3d48ed76db Depth: 3 Uranium must be extracted through mining before being processed into reactor fuel. Labels: Inferred, Medium, investigate ##### A typical 1000 MWe light-water reactor operating at high capacity with ~4.5% enrichment and ~45 GWd/t burn-up… Id: claim_e44ecc4a56aeb1867ebc8ea8 Parent: claim_5b6b844d47b07b3d48ed76db Depth: 3 A typical 1000 MWe light-water reactor operating at high capacity with ~4.5% enrichment and ~45 GWd/t burn-up requires an annual front-end material balance of approximately 20,000–400,000 t uranium ore, yielding ~249 t U₃O₈ concentrate (~211 tU), ~312 t natural UF₆ (211 tU), ~35.9 t enriched UF₆ (24.3 tU at 4.5% U-235), and ~27.6 t UO₂ fuel (24.3 t enriched U). Labels: Inferred, High ##### Kazakhstan produced 21,705 tonnes of uranium in 2018, accounting for 40.57% of global output. Id: claim_e78a9d97e77a1d706c65ff65 Parent: claim_1a68f135d932053936b05bd8 Depth: 3 Kazakhstan produced 21,705 tonnes of uranium in 2018, accounting for 40.57% of global output. Labels: Inferred, Medium, investigate ##### Fuel fabrication is a step in the nuclear fuel supply chain where enriched uranium is manufactured into ceram… Id: claim_ef81033893532463f7c861d6 Parent: claim_5b6b844d47b07b3d48ed76db Depth: 3 Fuel fabrication is a step in the nuclear fuel supply chain where enriched uranium is manufactured into ceramic pellets, which are sealed in metal tubes to form fuel rods and assemblies. Labels: Source-linked, Medium, investigate ##### Kazakhstan has been the world’s largest uranium producer every year since 2009. Id: claim_f594b3b49f8c30fd69f9cfe6 Parent: claim_1a68f135d932053936b05bd8 Depth: 3 Kazakhstan has been the world’s largest uranium producer every year since 2009. Labels: Source-linked, High ##### Kazakhstan's 2018 uranium output was 21,705 tU, which reflected a 20% reduction compared to its licensed or p… Id: claim_fdaa80c70d2472f4e5797356 Parent: claim_1a68f135d932053936b05bd8 Depth: 3 Kazakhstan's 2018 uranium output was 21,705 tU, which reflected a 20% reduction compared to its licensed or planned volumes. Labels: Inferred, High ###### The small discrepancy between 6,517 tU and 6,526 tU for Australia's 2018 uranium production most likely refle… Id: claim_10b9556a20280d1f2d7dce03 Parent: claim_068f665b783eebd5c55319d4 Depth: 4 The small discrepancy between 6,517 tU and 6,526 tU for Australia's 2018 uranium production most likely reflects different reporting vintages, revisions, or rounding. Labels: Inferred, High ###### Using the Red Book’s Australian figure of 6,526 tU and the revised WNA world total of 54,154 tU produces a 20… Id: claim_166bbd608d0b81797fb4876c Parent: claim_068f665b783eebd5c55319d4 Depth: 4 Using the Red Book’s Australian figure of 6,526 tU and the revised WNA world total of 54,154 tU produces a 2018 share of 12.05% for Australia. Labels: Contested, High ###### The current World Nuclear Association table gives a revised 2018 world total of 54,154 tU, while continuing t… Id: claim_189b37f40c781124619d46e2 Parent: claim_068f665b783eebd5c55319d4 Depth: 4 The current World Nuclear Association table gives a revised 2018 world total of 54,154 tU, while continuing to list Australia's production at 6,517 tU. Labels: Contested, High ###### Cameco announced the suspension of McArthur River/Key Lake operations on November 8, 2017, effective at the e… Id: claim_1c1c341e3215e009e7148f29 Parent: claim_3b73939f2e3aae69cc479a0d Depth: 4 Cameco announced the suspension of McArthur River/Key Lake operations on November 8, 2017, effective at the end of January 2018, with an initial plan for approximately 10 months. Labels: Source-linked, Medium ###### Against the revised World Nuclear Association world total of 54,154 tU, Australia’s share of global uranium p… Id: claim_1d57302fe9ed7c00f7091f45 Parent: claim_068f665b783eebd5c55319d4 Depth: 4 Against the revised World Nuclear Association world total of 54,154 tU, Australia’s share of global uranium production in 2018 is 12.03%, not 12.18%. Labels: Contested, High ###### The uranium market is influenced by changes in nuclear energy policies, advancements in reactor design, and t… Id: claim_2223f0a1c6ef514b682498e2 Parent: claim_4d412a571327131b407c9e32 Depth: 4 The uranium market is influenced by changes in nuclear energy policies, advancements in reactor design, and the development of alternative energy sources. Labels: Source-linked, Medium ###### International bodies like the IAEA provide guidelines to ensure safe and sustainable practices in uranium min… Id: claim_23acbced9a815c3b1f2ced0a Parent: claim_4d412a571327131b407c9e32 Depth: 4 International bodies like the IAEA provide guidelines to ensure safe and sustainable practices in uranium mining and milling. Labels: Source-linked, Medium ###### Beyond nuclear energy, yellowcake can be used in research reactors, medical applications, and for producing i… Id: claim_2ceaddb3c33d284a4198c802 Parent: claim_4d412a571327131b407c9e32 Depth: 4 Beyond nuclear energy, yellowcake can be used in research reactors, medical applications, and for producing isotopes for various industrial uses. Labels: Source-linked, Medium ###### The 13.09% figure for Canada's share of global uranium output in 2018 represents an earlier data vintage and… Id: claim_2e6bf55a24485286974d05e3 Parent: claim_3b73939f2e3aae69cc479a0d Depth: 4 The 13.09% figure for Canada's share of global uranium output in 2018 represents an earlier data vintage and is not a stable fact. Labels: Inferred, Medium ###### Cigar Lake's ore has average grades of approximately 15–18% U₃O₈, which is roughly 100 times the world averag… Id: claim_2f7c91687722a1fd3072e368 Parent: claim_3b73939f2e3aae69cc479a0d Depth: 4 Cigar Lake's ore has average grades of approximately 15–18% U₃O₈, which is roughly 100 times the world average of about 0.1–0.2%. Labels: Source-linked, Medium ###### Kazakhstan has accounted for over 40% of the world's uranium production in recent years. Id: claim_37fad7f0ac4cf61ce9c43deb Parent: claim_4d412a571327131b407c9e32 Depth: 4 Kazakhstan has accounted for over 40% of the world's uranium production in recent years. Labels: Source-linked, Medium ###### The 2020 edition of Uranium: Resources, Production and Demand, published by the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency an… Id: claim_43b29ac5c41ce9b4bfae4791 Parent: claim_068f665b783eebd5c55319d4 Depth: 4 The 2020 edition of Uranium: Resources, Production and Demand, published by the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency and IAEA, states Australian production of 6,526 tonnes of contained uranium in concentrates for 2018. Labels: Contested, High ###### The 12.18% figure for Australia's share of global uranium production in 2018 is derived from dividing 6,517 t… Id: claim_52b624c31e3789cd53805ec2 Parent: claim_068f665b783eebd5c55319d4 Depth: 4 The 12.18% figure for Australia's share of global uranium production in 2018 is derived from dividing 6,517 tU by a world total of 53,498 tU. Labels: Contested, High ###### Yellowcake is the commercial product of uranium mining and milling, serving as the raw material for nuclear f… Id: claim_53ca1540342d431d40621d99 Parent: claim_4d412a571327131b407c9e32 Depth: 4 Yellowcake is the commercial product of uranium mining and milling, serving as the raw material for nuclear fuel production. Labels: Source-linked, Medium ###### Approximately 48.5% of Australia's 2018 uranium production came from Olympic Dam, 26.0% from Ranger, and 25.5… Id: claim_5e2f55e0087eefe0cb42a420 Parent: claim_068f665b783eebd5c55319d4 Depth: 4 Approximately 48.5% of Australia's 2018 uranium production came from Olympic Dam, 26.0% from Ranger, and 25.5% from Four Mile. Labels: Inferred, High ###### Olympic Dam is a combined copper, uranium, gold, and silver operation, not a stand-alone conventional uranium… Id: claim_607b757c51c07c33f123d409 Parent: claim_068f665b783eebd5c55319d4 Depth: 4 Olympic Dam is a combined copper, uranium, gold, and silver operation, not a stand-alone conventional uranium mine. Labels: Inferred, High ###### Canada fell from the world's second-largest uranium producer in 2017 to third in 2018, being overtaken by Aus… Id: claim_66a9604f7d0d01a09e11b33c Parent: claim_3b73939f2e3aae69cc479a0d Depth: 4 Canada fell from the world's second-largest uranium producer in 2017 to third in 2018, being overtaken by Australia. Labels: Source-linked, Medium ###### Mitigation efforts for the environmental impacts of uranium mining and milling include waste management proto… Id: claim_72f05446babcd0f3e0802163 Parent: claim_4d412a571327131b407c9e32 Depth: 4 Mitigation efforts for the environmental impacts of uranium mining and milling include waste management protocols and site rehabilitation. Labels: Source-linked, High ###### Canada's 13.09% share of global uranium output in 2018 is arithmetically consistent with dividing its 7,001 t… Id: claim_74296818f66abdb095b542d1 Parent: claim_3b73939f2e3aae69cc479a0d Depth: 4 Canada's 13.09% share of global uranium output in 2018 is arithmetically consistent with dividing its 7,001 tU production by the World Nuclear Association's (WNA) original 2018 world total of approximately 53,498 tU. Labels: Source-linked, Medium ###### DOE reports an inventory of approximately 740,000 metric tonnes of depleted uranium hexafluoride (DUF₆) at Po… Id: claim_79f61ca0b8f948078ad917f9 Parent: claim_91e8e56a9dc43f488854fd63 Depth: 4 DOE reports an inventory of approximately 740,000 metric tonnes of depleted uranium hexafluoride (DUF₆) at Portsmouth and Paducah. Labels: Inferred, High ###### The economics of yellowcake production are affected by uranium market prices, which fluctuate due to global d… Id: claim_899ea3f89bc8b7f02ec31433 Parent: claim_4d412a571327131b407c9e32 Depth: 4 The economics of yellowcake production are affected by uranium market prices, which fluctuate due to global demand and geopolitical factors. Labels: Inferred, Medium ###### 3,168 tU of Australia's 2018 uranium production came from Olympic Dam, which is classified as a “polymetallic… Id: claim_8ceca9d438b5f9aaba7b4edd Parent: claim_068f665b783eebd5c55319d4 Depth: 4 3,168 tU of Australia's 2018 uranium production came from Olympic Dam, which is classified as a “polymetallic Fe-oxide breccia complex”. Labels: Inferred, High ###### The Rabbit Lake uranium mine had already been suspended in 2016. Id: claim_8fa4ea678cd8478f2988e11b Parent: claim_3b73939f2e3aae69cc479a0d Depth: 4 The Rabbit Lake uranium mine had already been suspended in 2016. Labels: Inferred, Medium ###### DOE's environmental review evaluated the disposition of depleted-uranium oxide at off-site low-level radioact… Id: claim_90c92aa45750ecfdbc9e00d3 Parent: claim_9808904d5da7d60e0906ca04 Depth: 4 DOE's environmental review evaluated the disposition of depleted-uranium oxide at off-site low-level radioactive-waste facilities. Labels: Inferred, High ###### DOE’s disposal analysis identifies empty and heel-bearing cylinders, calcium-fluoride material, and low-level… Id: claim_965cf5e113949c0c2a250e1b Parent: claim_1bd098c9f5311475ccce3648 Depth: 4 DOE’s disposal analysis identifies empty and heel-bearing cylinders, calcium-fluoride material, and low-level or mixed low-level waste from oxide-container storage and maintenance as additional waste streams created by DUF₆ conversion. Labels: Inferred, High ###### Canada's 13% share of world uranium output in 2018 came from an exceptionally small tonnage of mined rock due… Id: claim_9cdf3db1707c4bf44bd15852 Parent: claim_3b73939f2e3aae69cc479a0d Depth: 4 Canada's 13% share of world uranium output in 2018 came from an exceptionally small tonnage of mined rock due to the high-grade ore from Cigar Lake. Labels: Source-linked, Medium ###### The selected claim's figures for Australia's 2018 uranium production are over-precise and not consistent with… Id: claim_a1513652e01c3d6dbc0ca2a0 Parent: claim_068f665b783eebd5c55319d4 Depth: 4 The selected claim's figures for Australia's 2018 uranium production are over-precise and not consistent with the strongest official compilation. Labels: Source-linked, High ###### Virtually all of Canada's 7,001 tU uranium production in 2018 came from a single mine: Cigar Lake in Saskatch… Id: claim_adf6acd96881978a647a1b70 Parent: claim_3b73939f2e3aae69cc479a0d Depth: 4 Virtually all of Canada's 7,001 tU uranium production in 2018 came from a single mine: Cigar Lake in Saskatchewan. Labels: Source-linked, Medium ###### The nuclear industry is heavily regulated, with stringent safety and environmental standards governing uraniu… Id: claim_b0596f4791eac9053933a2fe Parent: claim_4d412a571327131b407c9e32 Depth: 4 The nuclear industry is heavily regulated, with stringent safety and environmental standards governing uranium mining and milling. Labels: Source-linked, Medium ###### The mining and milling process for uranium can cause significant environmental impacts, including habitat dis… Id: claim_b5dad07424fa02063b3ce56f Parent: claim_4d412a571327131b407c9e32 Depth: 4 The mining and milling process for uranium can cause significant environmental impacts, including habitat disruption, waste generation, and water contamination. Labels: Inferred, High ###### Based on the World Nuclear Association's (WNA) later-revised 2018 world total of 54,154 tU, Canada's share of… Id: claim_ba4b829891cf2c9ae2e18b5b Parent: claim_3b73939f2e3aae69cc479a0d Depth: 4 Based on the World Nuclear Association's (WNA) later-revised 2018 world total of 54,154 tU, Canada's share of global uranium production falls to 12.93%, not 13.09%. Labels: Contested, Medium ###### The exact percentage of 12.18% for Australia's share of global uranium production in 2018 should be treated a… Id: claim_bc2568d45bc288a5331ffaa3 Parent: claim_068f665b783eebd5c55319d4 Depth: 4 The exact percentage of 12.18% for Australia's share of global uranium production in 2018 should be treated as a historical snapshot of a particular data release. Labels: Inferred, High ###### Canada's drop in uranium production rank in 2018 was a direct consequence of the suspension of the McArthur R… Id: claim_c5d8d7a76b770043f4e05d2b Parent: claim_3b73939f2e3aae69cc479a0d Depth: 4 Canada's drop in uranium production rank in 2018 was a direct consequence of the suspension of the McArthur River mine. Labels: Inferred, Medium ###### The grade of uranium ore varies significantly, impacting the efficiency and cost of yellowcake production. Id: claim_d967a1bd0382e4ec8d74196b Parent: claim_4d412a571327131b407c9e32 Depth: 4 The grade of uranium ore varies significantly, impacting the efficiency and cost of yellowcake production. Labels: Source-linked, Medium ###### The process of producing yellowcake involves crushing uranium ore, treating it with acid or alkaline solution… Id: claim_de46a9ce2a2595f2336015df Parent: claim_4d412a571327131b407c9e32 Depth: 4 The process of producing yellowcake involves crushing uranium ore, treating it with acid or alkaline solutions, and then precipitating the uranium into a concentrated form. Labels: Source-linked, Medium ###### The suspension of McArthur River/Key Lake operations was made indefinite on July 25, 2018. Id: claim_dfbbe1cb22b5acd5c059ee26 Parent: claim_3b73939f2e3aae69cc479a0d Depth: 4 The suspension of McArthur River/Key Lake operations was made indefinite on July 25, 2018. Labels: Inferred, Medium ###### Uranium deposits exist in different types, such as sandstone, volcanic, and unconformity-related deposits. Id: claim_e075213d6dab09fc1c641ef1 Parent: claim_4d412a571327131b407c9e32 Depth: 4 Uranium deposits exist in different types, such as sandstone, volcanic, and unconformity-related deposits. Labels: Inferred, Medium ###### The World Nuclear Association (WNA) now warns that its figures are liable to change as new data become availa… Id: claim_e1916e991ec6939c9de682da Parent: claim_068f665b783eebd5c55319d4 Depth: 4 The World Nuclear Association (WNA) now warns that its figures are liable to change as new data become available. Labels: Source-linked, High ###### Yellowcake is a uranium oxide concentrate with the chemical formula U₃O₈, produced by milling uranium ore. Id: claim_f5408b8424b7fe5a4fd07b94 Parent: claim_4d412a571327131b407c9e32 Depth: 4 Yellowcake is a uranium oxide concentrate with the chemical formula U₃O₈, produced by milling uranium ore. Labels: Inferred, Medium ###### Almost half of Australia’s uranium supply in 2018 was linked to the economics and operating conditions of a m… Id: claim_f8938ec80b51ab2c7b240e55 Parent: claim_068f665b783eebd5c55319d4 Depth: 4 Almost half of Australia’s uranium supply in 2018 was linked to the economics and operating conditions of a major polymetallic mine (Olympic Dam), not solely to uranium-market incentives. Labels: Inferred, High ###### In-situ leaching involves dissolving uranium in place and pumping it to the surface for processing, which red… Id: claim_fb215b90f44892dde46329a7 Parent: claim_4d412a571327131b407c9e32 Depth: 4 In-situ leaching involves dissolving uranium in place and pumping it to the surface for processing, which reduces waste and surface disturbance. Labels: Inferred, Medium ###### The NRC explicitly excludes the underground ore body depleted by solution extraction from the definition of 1… Id: claim_1e8490aab6c4ab0b9509ad9f Parent: claim_b0596f4791eac9053933a2fe Depth: 5 The NRC explicitly excludes the underground ore body depleted by solution extraction from the definition of 11e.(2) byproduct material. Labels: Source-linked, High ###### The EPA limits radon-222 emissions from covered inactive uranium tailings to an average of 20 picocuries per… Id: claim_3ed2e4f17e00b558b2407b8a Parent: claim_b0596f4791eac9053933a2fe Depth: 5 The EPA limits radon-222 emissions from covered inactive uranium tailings to an average of 20 picocuries per square metre per second, which is equivalent to 0.74 Bq/m²/s. Labels: Source-linked, High ###### DOE reported that approximately 8% of its remaining DUF₆ inventory was held in non-standard cylinders due to… Id: claim_68575103ee972841200fddf2 Parent: claim_79f61ca0b8f948078ad917f9 Depth: 5 DOE reported that approximately 8% of its remaining DUF₆ inventory was held in non-standard cylinders due to damage, corrosion, overfilling, or unusual size. Labels: Inferred, High ###### Uranium mill tailings can retain 50–86% of the original ore’s radioactivity, with historical EPA estimates of… Id: claim_6b031c6e29a5f65a746e6e86 Parent: claim_b5dad07424fa02063b3ce56f Depth: 5 Uranium mill tailings can retain 50–86% of the original ore’s radioactivity, with historical EPA estimates often using approximately 85%. Labels: Source-linked, High ###### The NRC defines discrete surface wastes from in-situ recovery, heap leaching, and ion exchange as regulated 1… Id: claim_6d37fb25262f748917db0701 Parent: claim_b0596f4791eac9053933a2fe Depth: 5 The NRC defines discrete surface wastes from in-situ recovery, heap leaching, and ion exchange as regulated 11e.(2) byproduct material. Labels: Source-linked, High ###### A 2022 NRC-sponsored investigation examined earthen covers at four tailings sites after approximately 20 year… Id: claim_7d6f330d654ed3196bbcb1e3 Parent: claim_72f05446babcd0f3e0802163 Depth: 5 A 2022 NRC-sponsored investigation examined earthen covers at four tailings sites after approximately 20 years in service. Labels: Source-linked, High ###### U.S. Id: claim_9e7505661d6c8609001e1747 Parent: claim_b0596f4791eac9053933a2fe Depth: 5 U.S. tailings-disposal designs must provide reasonable assurance of controlling radiological hazards for 1,000 years to the extent reasonably achievable, and at least 200 years. Labels: Inferred, High ###### Surface wastes from solution-extraction facilities are transported to tailings impoundments for disposal. Id: claim_b8b6cb31febb55f6ed1e0880 Parent: claim_b5dad07424fa02063b3ce56f Depth: 5 Surface wastes from solution-extraction facilities are transported to tailings impoundments for disposal. Labels: Inferred, High ###### Bulk rail shipments for permanent disposal of depleted-uranium oxide have begun. Id: claim_c1b1a2e41677ddf02d7e0b20 Parent: claim_90c92aa45750ecfdbc9e00d3 Depth: 5 Bulk rail shipments for permanent disposal of depleted-uranium oxide have begun. Labels: Inferred, High ###### The framework for U.S. Id: claim_c8e14953ae9cf398be240fcb Parent: claim_b0596f4791eac9053933a2fe Depth: 5 The framework for U.S. tailings disposal calls for eventual or perpetual government ownership and long-term surveillance. Labels: Inferred, High ###### DOE reported processing more than 1,000 DUF₆ cylinders during 2024. Id: claim_c97a1dda89d65a9ed33f7d5a Parent: claim_79f61ca0b8f948078ad917f9 Depth: 5 DOE reported processing more than 1,000 DUF₆ cylinders during 2024. Labels: Inferred, High ###### An EPA mining-waste study estimated that solid uranium tailings are approximately one metric tonne per metric… Id: claim_f01b9872c5b6602f72af1bb1 Parent: claim_b5dad07424fa02063b3ce56f Depth: 5 An EPA mining-waste study estimated that solid uranium tailings are approximately one metric tonne per metric tonne of ore feed. Labels: Source-linked, High ###### Dedicated transfer and evacuation systems were required before non-standard DUF₆ material could enter normal… Id: claim_a21d31f469dedaefe0c39a57 Parent: claim_68575103ee972841200fddf2 Depth: 6 Dedicated transfer and evacuation systems were required before non-standard DUF₆ material could enter normal conversion lines. Labels: Inferred, High ###### Radon-barrier saturated hydraulic conductivity at three of the four sites generally remained within the recom… Id: claim_e331b5b7a11f743a153f8915 Parent: claim_7d6f330d654ed3196bbcb1e3 Depth: 6 Radon-barrier saturated hydraulic conductivity at three of the four sites generally remained within the recommended range for long-term conditions. Labels: Inferred, High