The 1789 discovery of uranium is credited to Martin Klaproth, who named the new element after the recently discovered planet Uranus and its radioactive properties were discovered in 1896 by Henri Becquerel. Research by Otto Hahn, Lise Meitner, Enrico Fermi and J. Robert Oppenheimer beginning in 1934 led to its use as a fuel in the nuclear power industry and in the first nuclear weapon used in war.

The Uranium industry is an essential segment of the global energy sector, focused on the exploration, mining, processing, and sale of uranium, a radioactive heavy metal primarily used as fuel in nuclear power plants. Nuclear power is a low-carbon, high-capacity, and reliable energy source that plays a vital role in the global energy mix and contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Key activities in the Uranium industry include:

1. Exploration: Identifying and assessing uranium deposits through geological surveys, drilling, and other methods to determine their size, grade, and economic feasibility.
2. Mining: Extracting uranium ore from underground or open-pit mines using various techniques such as conventional mining, in-situ recovery (ISR), and heap leaching.
3. Processing: Converting uranium ore into concentrated uranium oxide (yellowcake) through milling, leaching, and purification processes. The yellowcake is then further processed and enriched to create fuel for nuclear reactors.
4. Transportation & Distribution: Transporting processed uranium products to conversion and enrichment facilities, and ultimately to nuclear power plants, using secure and regulated methods. The uranium industry serves both domestic and international customers, including utilities and governments.

The Uranium industry faces several challenges, including fluctuating uranium prices, public concerns about nuclear safety and waste management, and competition from alternative energy sources, such as natural gas and renewables. Additionally, the industry is subject to stringent regulations and international agreements aimed at controlling the production, trade, and use of uranium to prevent nuclear proliferation.

• Cameco Corp
• NexGen Energy
• Uranium Energy
• Energy Fuels
• Denison Mines
• Centrus Energy
• Ur-Energy
• Uranium Royalty