Casey Research comment on China uraniumUranium:
Nuclear power is coming to China in a big way. The country is set to purchase up to 5,000 metric tonnes of uranium this year – more than twice what it needs.
But consider that by the year 2020, China will have at least 60 nuclear reactors up and humming across the country, throwing off 85 gigawatts of output and demanding 20,000 tonnes of fuel per year. That’s nearly 40% of the 50,572 tonnes mined globally in 2009.
Now the hoarding makes more sense.
The result: After a three-year lull, uranium prices are spiking up. Analysts at RBC Capital Markets have predicted a 32% spike in prices for next year – for a uranium company, this is Christmas come early. And while the bull market of 2006 saw at least 27 new uranium mines opening up across the world, it’s not going to be enough. Yellowcake is back, and it’ll be glowing red this time around.
China might not wish to be called the world’s biggest energy consumer, but it’s a fact, and its edge will continue to grow. The process of explosive economic development is like feeding teenagers – they’re never full. And while China continues on this tear to eat up the world’s coal, oil, uranium, and gas, there are some great opportunities unfolding.