Australia, the world's biggest uranium reserve holder, was estimated to possess 1.66 million tonnes (Mt) of known recoverable uranium resources as of 2011, accounting for about 31% of the world total. The nation produced 7,488t of uranium in 2013, becoming the third biggest uranium producing country.
Australia began uranium mining in 1954 and currently has four active mines, including the world's second and third biggest uranium producing mines, respectively Olympic Dam in the Northern Territory and the Ranger mine in Southern Australia. The other two mines Beverley and Honeymoon, both located in South Australia, commenced production in 2000 and 2011 respectively.
Honeymoon mine, operated by Uranium One, was however closed in November 2013 but will be maintained as owner Uranium One waits for an improvement in uranium prices.
Owned by BHP Billiton, Olympic Dam contains 358,530t of uranium reserves is the country's biggest uranium mine followed by the yet to be developed Jabiluka uranium deposit, which is estimated to contain 67,700t of uranium reserves. Four Mile, Kintyre, Valhalla, Yeelirrie, and Wiluna are among the other major uranium deposits yet to be developed.
Australia, the world's biggest uranium reserve holder, was estimated to possess 1.66 million tonnes (Mt) of known recoverable uranium resources as of 2011, accounting for about 31% of the world total. The nation produced 7,488t of uranium in 2013, becoming the third biggest uranium producing country.
Australia began uranium mining in 1954 and currently has four active mines, including the world's second and third biggest uranium producing mines, respectively Olympic Dam in the Northern Territory and the Ranger mine in Southern Australia. The other two mines Beverley and Honeymoon, both located in South Australia, commenced production in 2000 and 2011 respectively.
Honeymoon mine, operated by Uranium One, was however closed in November 2013 but will be maintained as owner Uranium One waits for an improvement in uranium prices.
Owned by BHP Billiton, Olympic Dam contains 358,530t of uranium reserves is the country's biggest uranium mine followed by the yet to be developed Jabiluka uranium deposit, which is estimated to contain 67,700t of uranium reserves. Four Mile, Kintyre, Valhalla, Yeelirrie, and Wiluna are among the other major uranium deposits yet to be developed.
source:https://www.mining-technology.com