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Worldwide Uranium Reserves
Uranium is distributed all over the Earth crust being as a
component of most rocks. To become economically
attractive this element reserves depend on the level of uranium contained therein as well as the
technology used for its exploiration.
Considering the kilo (kg) of uranium that may be obtained at costs below US$130.00,
the world reserves are distributed as follows:
| Country | t U |
| Kazakhstan | 957.000 |
| Australia | 910.000 |
| Soth Africa | 369.000 |
| USA | 355.000 |
| Canada | 332.000 |
| Brazil | 309.000 |
| Namibia | 287.000 |
| World Total | 4.416.000 |
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Uranium Production in the World
The uranium production in the world has been growing since 1988 mainly due to the low
costs the market has been practicing leading to the closing of some low content mines,
explored in the Eastern Europe. However, countries that traditionally produce yellowcake
have been increasing the capacity of their plants, as Canada and Australia.
The table below presents the world largest producers, based on the production
obtained in 1998.
| Country | Production in 1998
t U |
| Canada | 10.922 |
| Australia | 4.910 |
| Nigeria | 3.714 |
| Namibia | 2780 |
| Russia | 2.530 |
| World Total | 34.986 |
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