Visualized: The distriubution of uranium resources around the world
As countries expand their nuclear power capabilities to reduce carbon emissions and transition to cleaner energy sources, the sources of uranium become more crucial.
In 2021, the world's total uranium resources were 6,078,500 tonnes, with the largest portion located in Australia, which has over 1.7 million tonnes of uranium oxide (U3O8), accounting for approximately 28% of the world's known resources.
The largest mines in Australia include Olympic Dam, which is the world's largest uranium deposit and also one of the largest copper deposits. The Ranger Mine, located in the Northern Territory, was one of the oldest and most productive uranium mines until it ceased operations in 2021. Additionally, the Beverley and Four Mile mines in South Australia are significant producers of uranium through in-situ leach mining methods.
The second largest resources can be found in Kazakhstan which is also the largest producer of uranium in the world, accounting for approximately 40% of global uranium production. The country is home to some of the world's largest uranium deposits, including Inkai, Central Mynkuduk, South Inkai, West Mynkuduk, and Budenovskoye.
Country | % of world | tonnes U | Continent |
Australia | 28% | 1,684,100 | Osiania |
Kazakhstan | 13% | 815,200 | Asien |
Canada | 10% | 588,500 | North America |
Russia | 8% | 480,900 | Asien |
Namibia | 8% | 470,100 | Afrika |
South Africa | 5% | 320,900 | Afrika |
Niger | 5% | 311,100 | Afrika |
Brazil | 5% | 276,800 | South America |
China | 4% | 223,900 | Asien |
Mongolia | 2% | 144,600 | Asien |
Uzbekistan | 2% | 131,200 | Asien |
Ukraine | 2% | 107,200 | Europe |
Botswana | 1% | 87,200 | Afrika |
USA | 1% | 59,400 | North America |
Tanzania | 1% | 58,200 | Afrika |
Jordan | 1% | 52,500 | Asien |
World total | 6,078,500 |
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