Forbes Uranium Article While the report focuses on the status of the uranium industry, other industries are discussed. Following is a list of the Committee’s key findings concerning energy minerals with a rather complete discussion of uranium resources.
• Japan will most likely re-start many of their nuclear reactors with improved safety factors over the next few years because Japan has no realistic alternatives. They will remain the third-largest user of uranium in the world.
• The current status of U.S. reactors include 100 reactors in full operation, 5 under construction, 25 in the planning/permitting stage, and 32 in permanent shut-down or retirement.
• China has 20 operating nuclear power plants (only 1% of their total power produced), another 28 under construction, and has brought 3 nuclear plants on-line in 2013. An additional 50 nuclear plants are in the various stages of planning and permitting.
• 2013 U.S. uranium production increased by 16% over that of 2012, the highest production since 1997. At present, 83% of U.S. nuclear fuel demand is met by foreign sources, such as Canada, Australia, and Kazakhstan.
• Uranium spot prices will likely remain around $35/lb for yellowcake (U3O8). However, upward cost pressure is growing because of future demands from China, Japan, and new construction.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamesconca/2014/04/07/fossil-fuels-still-rule-but-dont-worry-we-have-plenty-of-uranium/