HomeNuclear Fuel Cycle and Materials
Uranium Production Cycle
A Responsible uranium production cycle is an important element for sustainability of nuclear energy. It involves various issues such as exploration, mining and processing technology selection and testing, prefeasibility and feasibility studies, then construction, operation and appropriate closure. It also includes the need to minimize environmental and social impacts, with good practices at all stages of the cycle.
The IAEA's Assistance to Member States
The uranium production cycle subprogramme supports Member States in various ways. For example, technical advice and up-to-date information on the status of world uranium production and projections of uranium requirements is given to the Member States with nuclear power uranium production. Again, the Member States that are developing uranium resources, but do not have an adequate technological infrastructure, are supported in applying the best practices available and appropriate to their circumstances.
Forms of support involve, among others:
- Meetings;
- Publications such as the Red Book and other IAEA publications related to Uranium Production Cycle;
- Working groups such as UPSAT; and
- UDEPO, the World Distribution of Uranium Deposits database, serves as a information source on uranium deposits worldwide.
