World’s largest uranium reserves – UPSC Prelims PYQ 2009

Which among the following has the world’s largest reserves of uranium?

1. Australia
2. Canada
3. Russian Federation
4. USA

Explanation

Option (a) is correct

• Top 5 Countries with the Largest Uranium Reserves:
  • Australia: Largest uranium reserves globally with 3.6 million tonnes, home to some of the richest ore, making it the leading nuclear fuel resource nation.
  • Kazakhstan: World’s top uranium producer, supplying about 40% of global output annually; holds nearly 3 million tonnes, mainly via in-situ leaching.
  • Canada: Third in reserves with 1.7 million tonnes; the Athabasca Basin hosts the highest-grade uranium deposits in the world.
  • Russia: Around 1.2 million tonnes of reserves, powering its civil nuclear plants and military programmes.
  • Namibia: Africa’s uranium hub, with about 1 million tonnes, exports most of its supply to Europe & Asia.

Answer: (a) Australia