About Uranium

Uranium (U) is a mildly radioactive element with two isotopes which are fissile (U-235 and U-233) and two which are fertile (U-238 and U-234). Uranium is the basic fuel of nuclear energy.

Uranium oxide concentrate (U₃O₈) is the mixture of uranium oxides produced after milling uranium ore from a mine. It is sometimes loosely called yellowcake. It is khaki in colour and is usually represented by the empirical formula U₃O₈. Uranium is sold in this form.

Yellowcake is ammonium diuranate, the penultimate uranium compound in U₃O₈ production, but the form in which mine product was sold until about 1970.
There are three operating uranium mines in Australia: Ranger in the Northern Territory, Olympic Dam and Beverley, both in South Australia. A fourth is cleared to start construction at Honeymoon, in South Australia. In 2006, a total of 8954 tonnes of uranium oxide were produced from the three mines in operation.

Australia's uranium reserves are the world's largest, with 24% of the total. Production and exports average about 10,000 tonnes of uranium oxide (8500 tU) per year.

Australia's uranium is used solely for electricity. It is supplied under arrangements which ensure that none finds its way into nuclear weapons.

In the five years to mid 2006 Australia exported 47,524 tonnes of uranium oxide concentrate with a value of over AUD$2.1 billion.

See the Glossary for more definitions.