Author Description

The world uranium market has experienced dramatic changes in this decade due to political and economic developments in uranium producing and consuming regions of the world. The over-production situation that characterized the 80s has changed in the 90s to a more ambiguous situation in which production is meeting less than 60% of demand, yet prices remain low due to the expectation that there will continue to be an abundant supply of uranium from new sources. While the world nuclear electricity generating capacity and its nuclear fuel cycle requirements continue modest expansion, uranium stockpiles are decreasing and uranium productio has been contracting in most regions of the world. However, there are signs that the situation may be changing as there has been a steady increase in uranium spot prices since late 1994. This world report on uranium presents the compilations of resources, exploration, production, and demand statistics as of 1 January 1995 for 54 countries, including substantial new information from countries in Africa, Eastern Europe, and the New Independent States. It also presents an international expert analysis of the statistics and world-wide projections of nuclear energy growth, uranium requirements, and uranium production capability. The NEA-IAEA "Red Book," as it is known, is widely recognized as the foremost reference on uranium.