In 2016, there were 99 operable nuclear reactors in the US producing 19% of the nation’s electricity and consuming 47 million pounds of uranium oxide. Just under 5 million lbs. of uranium oxide, approximately 10% of domestic requirements, was produced by US uranium mines in 2016. Domestic production of uranium is from a few mines in Wyoming, Texas, Arizona and Nebraska, and exploration and development of potential uranium mines is widespread throughout the western US and in Virginia. The remaining 90% of uranium required to fuel U.S. reactors is imported, mostly from Kazakhstan, Australia, Canada, Russia and Namibia.
In order to assure future domestic supplies of uranium in an ever changing market, there is a continuing need to assess domestic resources and to determine areas most favorable for possible future mining. During the energy crisis of the 1970’s, the US Department of Energy evaluated domestic uranium resources as part of the comprehensive National Uranium Resource Evaluation (NURE) program. This estimate has not been updated since 1980 despite decades of exploration and production. Recognizing the need for an updated quantitative assessment of US uranium resources, the US Geological Survey (USGS) assembled a small group of scientists with the required expertise in 2013. This group prioritized regions and deposit types for assessment based on their potential, and recently completed the first of several planned high priority assessments - an evaluation of potential uranium in the coastal plain of southern Texas.
As part of the revitalized uranium project, the USGS is developing methods to expand traditional assessments to include an evaluation of the potential environmental impacts of mining. To produce these expanded assessments the project staff utilizes expertise in uranium geology, hydrogeology, environmental and mining engineering and geochemistry. The USGS uranium project works in partnership with the US Department of Energy, Energy Information Administration (EIA).
EIA tabulates and analyzes uranium resource production and reserves in the US, while USGS estimates potential resources. Research by the uranium project has benefited industry, regulators, land owners and land managers. Genetic deposit models help mining companies efficiently explore for additional U resources. The evaluation of groundwater impacts of mining have helped in mitigation efforts and as relevant guidance for regulators. Regional assessments have provided scientific input to help manage multiple uses of public land.
Original URL: https://energy.usgs.gov/otherenergy/uranium.aspx
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