Jakarta, ThedailyID — Uranium remains one of the world’s most important strategic minerals because countries use it for nuclear energy, military technology, and scientific research.
Scientists naturally find uranium inside rocks and soil deposits in several parts of the world. Countries such as Kazakhstan, Canada, and Australia currently rank among the largest uranium producers globally.
Mining companies extract uranium ore from underground or open-pit mines before sending it to processing facilities.
Workers then refine the ore into a concentrated powder called yellowcake. The material mainly contains uranium oxide and serves as the base for further nuclear processing.
After refinement, facilities convert uranium into gas form for enrichment. Enrichment increases the concentration of uranium-235, the isotope needed for nuclear reactors and nuclear weapons.
Most civilian nuclear power plants only require low-enriched uranium with enrichment levels between 3 and 5 percent.
However, weapons-grade uranium usually exceeds 90 percent enrichment, making the process politically sensitive worldwide.
Experts said the full process from mining to usable nuclear fuel can take months or even years depending on technology, infrastructure, and enrichment targets.
Countries also require advanced facilities, strict safety systems, and international monitoring during the process.
Meanwhile, organizations such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) supervise nuclear programs to prevent the misuse of uranium for weapons development.
Global discussions about uranium have intensified again amid growing tensions involving Iran’s nuclear enrichment activities.
Despite its controversial reputation, many governments still consider nuclear energy an important low-carbon energy source for the future.
