关键矿产竞赛已响枪，“国铀一号”炼成，中国铀盾锁死能源命脉

Core Viewpoint - The successful production of the first batch of yellowcake uranium concentrate by China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) marks a significant milestone in China's nuclear industry, breaking the bottleneck in uranium mining and increasing the domestic uranium self-sufficiency rate to over 70% [1][18]. Industry Overview - Uranium is the core fuel for nuclear power generation, directly impacting national energy security and strategic defense capabilities [4]. - The global distribution of uranium resources is uneven, with Australia, Kazakhstan, Canada, and Russia holding over 60% of the world's uranium reserves [6]. - China has been identified as one of the largest uranium resource reserve countries, with its discovered uranium resources accounting for 3% of the global total [6]. Current Challenges - Despite having significant uranium reserves, China has been heavily reliant on imports, with over 83% of its uranium needs met through foreign sources by 2018 [7]. - The global demand for uranium is projected to increase from 60,000 tons in 2021 to 110,000 tons by 2040, while production levels have remained stagnant [8]. Technological Advancements - The CNNC's "Guo Uranium No. 1" demonstration project utilizes innovative in-situ leaching technology, which allows for efficient extraction of uranium from previously deemed unviable deposits [11][12]. - The new technology has improved uranium extraction efficiency by 100%, with resource recovery rates increasing from 65% to 85% [14]. Strategic Implications - The advancements in uranium extraction technology not only enhance China's energy security but also bolster its defense capabilities, supporting the operation of nuclear submarines and other military applications [18]. - The project is expected to set a new benchmark for uranium mining globally, particularly as CNNC plans to export this technology to countries along the Belt and Road Initiative [18].