The US Energy Information Administration reports that in 2023, the US relied on imports for 99% of its uranium concentrate (U3O8) used in nuclear fuel production, importing 32 million pounds and producing only 0.05 million pounds domestically. To strengthen the domestic nuclear fuel supply chain, the US Department of Energy (DOE) received $2.7 billion in funding. US production of U3O8 increased by 24% in Q3 2024, with operations in Wyoming and Texas. While the US currently imports U3O8 from countries like Canada, Australia, and Russia, a ban on Russian uranium imports will take effect in August 2024, with some waivers allowed until 2028.
In 2023, U.S. nuclear generators used 32 million pounds of imported uranium concentrate (U3O8) and only 0.05 million pounds of domestically produced U3O8. Imports accounted for 99% of the U3O8 they used in 2023 to make nuclear fuel. Foreign producers predominantly supply the U.S. front-end nuclear fuel cycle, but federal policies have been implemented recently to build out the domestic U.S. nuclear fuel supply chain. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently received $2.7 billion in congressional funding to help revive domestic fuel production for commercial nuclear power plants.
U3O8 is chemically extracted from uranium ore that has been mined and milled. The fine powder is packaged in steel drums and later enriched and processed further to prepare it for use as fuel in nuclear reactors. U.S. production of U3O8 in the third quarter of 2024 totaled 121,296 pounds, a 24% increase from production of 97,709 pounds in the second quarter. Production in the third quarter occurred at five U.S. facilities: three in Wyoming (Nichols Ranch ISR Project, Lost Creek Project, and Smith Ranch-Highland Operation) and two in Texas (Alta Mesa Project and Rosita).
In 2023, the United States imported U3O8 and equivalents primarily from Canada, Australia, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. The origin of U3O8 used in U.S. nuclear reactors could change in the coming years. In May 2024, the United States banned imports of uranium products from Russia beginning in August, although companies may apply for waivers through January 1, 2028.
The EIA writes that in the fourth quarter of 2024, US production of uranium concentrate (U3O8) surged to 375,401 pounds, more than triple the 121,296 pounds produced in the third quarter. This increase in production came from seven facilities across Wyoming, Texas, and Utah, including projects like Nichols Ranch and Lost Creek in Wyoming, Alta Mesa and Rosita in Texas, and White Mesa Mill in Utah.
U.S. production of uranium concentrate (U3O8) in the fourth quarter of 2024 totaled 375,401 pounds U3O8, more than triple the third quarter production of 121,296 pounds U3O8. This quarter’s total uranium production occurred at seven facilities, four in Wyoming (Nichols Ranch ISR Project, Lost Creek Project, Ross CPP and Smith Ranch-Highland Operation), two in Texas (Alta Mesa Project and Rosita), and one in Utah (White Mesa Mill).
