An analysis of uranium discovery in Canada, 1930-1983: Rates of discovery, exploration expenditures, discovery costs and geological deposit types

In 1932, Canada emerged as the world's second important source of uranium and in 1958 became the major uranium producer. Surpassed by the United States in terms of uranium production in 1959, Canada retained its role as leading exporter. It was not until 1984, however, that Canada again became the western world's leading uranium producer. During the past 40 years, enormous market pressures, unprecedented in any other major mineral commodity, caused levels of uranium exploration and rates of discovery in Canada to fluctuate considerably. Blessed with a large and growing inventory of known high-grade deposits, Canada has maintained its status as leading uranium exporter and focus of international uranium exploration activity. With average discovery costs in Saskatchewan, Canada's foremost uranium-producing province, of $Cdn 1.53 per kilogram of uranium and the potential for many additional major discoveries, Canada is assured of being able to supply its own uranium needs and those of its customers well into the 21st century. (author). 7 figs, 4 tabs