Over 93,000 Tonnes Of In-Situ Uranium Resources Augmented By AMD In Four States In Last Five Years: Government

India has identified more than 93,000 tonnes of in-situ uranium resources over the past five years, with major finds in Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand, the government has informed the Parliament.

In a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister of State for Atomic Energy Jitendra Singh said that between 2020 and 2025 (up to December 2024), the Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD) reported augmentation of in-situ uranium oxide resources amounting to a total of 93,700 tonnes across four states.

Andhra Pradesh led with 60,659 tonnes, followed by Jharkhand with 27,156 tonnes.

Smaller deposits were also found in Rajasthan and Karnataka.

The minister further informed that in principle approval has been given for initiating 13 projects including capacity expansion of some existing units and construction of new production facilities (mines and plants) in the country.

"Pre-project activities related to obtaining statutory clearances from various Central and State authorities have been initiated," he added.

Once operational, these projects are expected to collectively produce 11.535 million tonnes per annum (TPA) of ore and yield approximately 1,095 TPA of U308 (triuranium octoxide), a key input for nuclear fuel.

"On implementation of the projects, the projected mining capacity in terms of Ore production is envisaged approximately 11.535 million TPA and in terms of U3O8 production is envisaged approximately as 1095 TPA," the minister said.

However, these projects are currently in the pre-clearance phase.

Statutory approvals from central and state agencies are being pursued, and funds of these projects will be "taken up once the project contours are firmed up after finalising of Detailed Project Report and once administrative and financial sanction is obtained", the minister said.

The minister further confirmed that AMD has established U-oxide resource at Jaduguda North - Baglasai - Mechua deposit, East Singhbhum district, Jharkhand; which is the north-western continuity of Jaduguda uranium deposit.

"The deposit is expected to strengthen India’s long-term nuclear fuel security substantially," he added.

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