“国铀一号”示范工程“第一桶铀”成功生产下线 持续充盈“核电粮仓”

Core Viewpoint - The successful production of the "first barrel of uranium" from the "Guo Uranium No. 1" demonstration project marks a significant breakthrough in China's natural uranium sector, enhancing energy resource security and laying a solid foundation for the sustainable development of the nuclear energy industry [1][7]. Group 1: Project Overview - The "Guo Uranium No. 1" demonstration project, the largest natural uranium production project in China, commenced construction in July last year in Ordos, Inner Mongolia [1][7]. - The project represents a key advancement in the construction of a thousand-ton-level green smart mine in the natural uranium field [1][7]. Group 2: Technological Innovations - The project utilizes a CO2 and oxygen in-situ leaching uranium extraction process, integrating automation, remote control, and big data analysis, which significantly reduces costs and environmental impact compared to traditional mining methods [2][6]. - The new extraction technology allows for the mining of low-grade uranium resources, lowering the threshold for economically viable uranium extraction from 0.03% to 0.01%, effectively tripling the amount of economically extractable uranium resources in China [5][6]. Group 3: Environmental Impact - The new extraction process minimizes ecological disruption, leaving minimal surface impact and significantly reducing environmental risks associated with traditional mining methods [5][6]. - The use of CO2 as a leaching agent enhances the environmental performance of the extraction process, with negligible pollution to groundwater compared to traditional acids and bases [5][6]. Group 4: Economic and Strategic Implications - The "Guo Uranium No. 1" project is expected to enhance China's uranium supply security, innovation capabilities, and international competitiveness in the natural uranium industry [7]. - The project is positioned as a model for developing uranium industries in countries along the Belt and Road Initiative, showcasing China's advanced in-situ leaching technology with complete independent intellectual property rights [7].