The United States is a significant consumer of uranium globally, accounting for about 15-20% of the world's total uranium consumption. However, the country does not have significant domestic uranium resources and is heavily reliant on imports to meet its uranium requirements. In 2021, the United States imported approximately 15,000 MT of uranium, primarily from Canada and Russia.
Uranium consumption in the United States is mainly driven by the nuclear power industry. Nuclear power plants use uranium as a fuel to produce electricity through the process of nuclear fission. The United States currently operates about 93 nuclear reactors at 56 different nuclear power plants, which provide about 20% of the country's total electricity generation.
Uranium is a critical material for the nuclear power industry, and its supply is essential for ensuring the continued operation of nuclear power plants. As a result, the United States government has implemented various measures to ensure the security and reliability of its uranium supply, including maintaining a strategic uranium reserve and supporting domestic uranium mining and exploration activities.