India plans to expand its nuclear power capacity to 100 GWe by 2047, but domestic uranium reserves are insufficient. This topic is important for aspirants preparing for GS3 Economy and energy security through ias coaching in Hyderabad.
Domestic Uranium Reserves
• Resource Base: About 4.34 lakh tonnes of uranium oxide across Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Meghalaya, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Telangana.
• Current Requirement: Existing 21 reactors (7 GWe) require 2.4 GWe equivalent uranium annually.
• Deficit: Domestic production meets only part of the demand, necessitating imports.
International Partnerships
• Australia: Civil nuclear cooperation agreement (2014) supplies uranium for Indian reactors.
• Kazakhstan & Uzbekistan: Long-term uranium import contracts.
• Canada: Supplies uranium after India joined NSG waiver (2008).
• Russia: Assists in building reactors (Kudankulam) and supplies fuel.
Strategic Importance
• Energy Security: Nuclear power reduces dependence on coal and helps meet climate commitments.
• Climate Goals: Supports India’s net zero target by 2070.
• Base Load Power: Provides stable electricity compared to intermittent renewables.
Challenges
• Import Dependence: Reliance on foreign suppliers raises strategic vulnerability.
• Environmental Concerns: Mining in Jharkhand faces ecological and displacement issues.
• Technology Limitations: India’s three-stage nuclear programme (PHWR → Fast Breeder → Thorium reactors) is still evolving.
• Global Politics: Uranium access depends on diplomatic relations and NSG membership debates.
What is Uranium?
Uranium is a naturally occurring radioactive metal, crucial for nuclear energy and defence. In India, uranium is classified as a “Prescribed Substance” under the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, and its mining is strictly regulated by the government.
India has limited reserves, concentrated mainly in Jharkhand and Andhra Pradesh, and supplements domestic production with imports from countries like Australia, Kazakhstan, and Canada.
Isotopes:
- U‑238 (99.27%): non‑fissile, cannot sustain chain reactions directly.
- U‑235 (0.72%): fissile, sustains nuclear chain reactions, used in reactors and weapons.
Uses:
- Fuel for nuclear power plants (Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors in India).
- Raw material for nuclear weapons.
- Medical isotopes and scientific research.
Important Uranium Mines in India
- Jaduguda Mine, Jharkhand: India’s first uranium mine, operational since 1967.
- Narwapahar & Bhatin Mines, Jharkhand: Part of the Singhbhum belt managed by Uranium Corporation of India Ltd (UCIL).
- Turamdih & Banduhurang Mines, Jharkhand: Banduhurang is India’s first open‑cast uranium mine.
Tummalapalle Mine, Andhra Pradesh: Located in Kadapa district, one of the world’s largest uranium reserves.
Conclusion
India’s nuclear future hinges on balancing domestic resource development with global uranium partnerships, ensuring energy security while meeting climate goals.
