Question : IMPORT OF FLOUROSCENT

(a) whether flouroscent mineral is being imported from China which is necessary for production of Hydro- phloric acid required for enrichment of uranium;

(b) if so, the reasons therefore despite availability of this mineral in the country;

(c) whether the Government are contempleting any scheme for exploitation of this mineral in the country so as to make country`s atomic energy programme self reliant;

(d) if not, the reasons therefore; and

(e) if so, the time by which the scheme is likely to be implemented?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY (SMT. VASUNDHARA RAJE)

(a) & (b) Hydrofluoric acid which has many industrial applications and is also required for enrichment of uranium is produced indigenously in the country. Some of the raw materials used in the production of Hydrofluoric acid may have been imported by the private manufacturers. All elements contained in the materials used for different processes are not necessarily developed indigenously. Some elements could also be imported.

(c), (d) & (e) Do not arise.