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Updated on: January 30, 2025, at 11:17 PM
Current Status of U.S. Uranium Production in 2023
The nuclear power industry in the United States heavily relies on imports for uranium concentrate (U3O8), with 32 million pounds sourced from overseas while domestic production accounted for a mere 50,000 pounds in 2023. This means that an astonishing 99% of the U3O8 utilized to produce nuclear fuel came from foreign nations.
Future Developments and Domestic Supply Initiatives
Recent federal initiatives aim to strengthen the domestic uranium supply chain within the U.S., with significant funding injected into efforts aimed at replenishing local production capabilities. Notably, the Department of Energy (DOE) has been allocated $2.7 billion by Congress to facilitate advancements in domestic uranium facilities tailored for commercial nuclear applications.
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Monthly Energy Review, Domestic Uranium Production Report, and Uranium Marketing Annual Report.
The Process of Uranium Extraction and Enrichment
Uranium ore undergoes mining and milling processes before U3O8 is chemically extracted into a fine powder form packaged into steel containers for further enrichment and processing prior to being used as reactor fuel. Data indicates that by Q3 of 2024, domestic production reached approximately 121,296 pounds—a notable increase of about 24% following Q2’s output of around 97,709 pounds. The third-quarter production was spread across five key sites: three operations located in Wyoming (Nichols Ranch ISR Project, Lost Creek Project, Smith Ranch-Highland Operation) along with two projects situated in Texas (Alta Mesa Project and Rosita).
Main Sources of Imported Uranium Concentrate
The primary contributors to U.S. uranium imports include countries such as Canada, Australia, Russia, Kazakhstan—and Uzbekistan also plays a role as an exporter. However, shifts may occur regarding these sources due to geopolitical factors; for instance short-term scrutiny has emerged following the United States’ decision announced in May 2024 banning all imports relating to Russian uranium products starting August this year; though some companies may be eligible for waivers until January 1st ,2031.
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration—Monthly Energy Review, Domestic Uranium Production Report, and Uranium Marketing Annual Report.
Diving Deeper: Resources on Uranium Supply Chains
Additonal insights concerning the current state advancing US-based uranium undertakings can be found through our detailed reports—Domestic Uranium Production Report & Uranium Marketing Annual Report.
