Uranium
is a silvery, radioactive, metallic element that is used as a source of nuclear power.
It occurs in several minerals including pitchblende, carnotite and autunite. Uranium was
named from the fact that the element was discovered soon after the planet Uranus.
Uranium has been mined in Australia since 1954,
there are three mines currently operating. and unfortunately more are planned. The known uranium
resources in Australia are believed to be the world's largest - at 31% of the world total.
To give an idea on how much uranium is used in the world can be understood by the amount
Australia produced in 2013 being 7488 tonnes of U3O8 (6350 tU). Australia is now the world's
third highest producer, behind Kazakhstan and Canada.