New Uranium Mines

The Government proposes to acquire uranium mines in other countries with a view to ensure continuous supply of uranium to nuclear reactors in the country.

A proposal to form a Joint Venture Company between Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL), two Public Sector Undertakings under the administrative control of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) to explore the possibility of acquiring uranium assets abroad has been recommended by the Atomic Energy Commission.

Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD), a constituent unit of DAE is engaged in activities for establishing uranium resources in the country required for the Nuclear Power Programme, through multi-disciplinary survey and exploration, which include heliborne geophysical surveys also.

Important areas which are currently under survey and exploration include Tummalapelle-Rachakuntapalle in Cuddapah District; Koppunuru in Guntur District & Chitrial in Nalgonda District of Andhra Pradesh; Rohil in Sikar District of Rajasthan; Wahkut and Umthongkut areas of west Khasi Hills of Meghalaya; Gogi in Yadgir District of Karnataka; Singridungri-Banadungri in East Singhbhum District and Bandurdih, Seraikela-Kharaswan District of Jharkhand.

The above information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions and in the Prime Minister’s Office, Shri V. Narayanasamy in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

MC/sk