China Commences Its Largest Natural Uranium Production Project In Ordos

China's largest natural uranium production project commenced construction on Friday in Ordos, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, as announced by the China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA). This initiative is part of CAEA's broader nuclear industry development plan and is being developed by China National Nuclear Corporation.

The project will employ an advanced mining process that uses carbon dioxide and oxygen leaching. Unlike traditional methods, this technique extracts uranium through a closed-loop circulation system without bringing ores to the surface. This method ensures zero emissions of water, gas, and solid wastes, promoting sustainable operations with low carbon emissions.

The project will integrate advanced technologies such as automation, remote and centralized control, and big data analysis. These technologies will enable intelligent operation analysis and precise mining. Once completed, this facility will enhance China's capacity for natural uranium supply and improve the industry's independent innovation capability and international competitiveness.

Natural uranium serves as the material foundation for China's nuclear industry development. It is a crucial strategic resource and energy mineral for ensuring national security. The new project aims to become a natural uranium production base with the highest standards, featuring green, economical, intelligent, and efficient operations.

Impact on Nuclear Power Generation

In 2023, nuclear power generation on the Chinese mainland reached 440,000 gigawatt-hours. This accounted for nearly 5 percent of the total national electricity output. The country has established a self-reliant and comprehensive nuclear industry chain system that ensures a secure and stable supply of nuclear fuel.

Through this project, China aims to further enhance its capacity for natural uranium supply. The initiative also seeks to improve the independent innovation capability of the natural uranium industry and its international competitiveness.

The CAEA highlighted that this project would adopt an advanced mining process employing carbon dioxide and oxygen leaching. This method allows for extracting uranium through a closed-loop circulation of the uranium solution without lifting ores to the surface for processing.

By integrating advanced technologies such as automation, remote control, centralized control, and big data analysis, the project aims to achieve intelligent operation analysis and precise mining. This approach ensures zero emissions of water, gas, and solid wastes while promoting sustainable operations with low carbon emissions.

Nuclear power generation remains a significant part of China's energy strategy. In 2023 alone, it contributed significantly to the country's electricity output. The establishment of a self-reliant nuclear industry chain system has been crucial in maintaining a secure supply of nuclear fuel.

The project's completion will further bolster China's capacity for natural uranium supply. It will also enhance the independent innovation capability of the natural uranium industry while improving its international competitiveness.

This new initiative underscores China's commitment to advancing its nuclear industry through sustainable practices and cutting-edge technology integration.

With inputs from WAM