The uranium minning industry in 1982

The present annual production capacity of uranium (appoximately 50 000 tonnes U), corresponding to the nuclear power programmes establihed at the beginning of the preceding decade, is much higher than the 33 000 tonnes U necessary for the market economy in 1982. As these needs are destined, however, to almost treble between now and the end of the century, the presently observed over-capacity of production could be gradually absorbed. Although France takes up a privileged position in Europe, because its underground uranium reserves cover almost half of its present needs and a third towards the end of the century, it will therefore remain in the position of an importing country. Thanks to the activity which they exert abroad and to the success achieved in certain countries, French operators participate in workings in foreign countries and contribute thereby to the diversification of the sources of imports. The adoption of nuclear technologies with greater economies in uranium would contribute to a still further reduction of the dependence of France on foreign countries in the field of supplies. New resources of uranium will nevertheless remain to be discovered in its own territory, some of them probably under much more difficult conditions of identification than those encountered at present. It is important therefore to perfect the methods which are required to succeed in these efforts