TWO
NEW URANIUM MINES OPENED UP
Two new
uranium mines have been opened up in the State of Jharkhand. Pre-project
activities for the commencement of uranium mining at three more
sites have also been undertaken by the Department of Atomic Energy.
With this, the expansion of India’s nuclear power programme is
being suitably backed up with innovative reactor systems and use
of thorium resources. India has vast thorium reserves and a detailed
design report has been prepared for the Advanced Heavy Water Reactors,
to exploit thorium for the production of energy.
Recognising
the important role of nuclear power in meeting the long-term energy
requirements, India has accorded high priority to self-reliance
in this field. This has enabled a strong indigenous capability
in all aspects of nuclear fuel cycle. Given the nuclear resource
profile available within the country, considerable work has also
been done on the design and development of plutonium-uranium oxide
fuelled 500 MW prototype Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam. The
specific energy consumption in heavy water production has been
further reduced resulting in lowering of costs. This along with
significant reduction in the construction time schedule, will
enable India to make nuclear power even more competitive.