Natural uranium and its compounds; alloys, dispersions, ceramic products and mixtures containing natural uranium and its compounds

CPC v2.1 Code: 3361

About natural uranium and its compounds; alloys, dispersions, ceramic products and mixtures containing natural uranium and its compounds

cpc code 3361 encompasses the production and processing of natural uranium and its compounds, as well as related alloys, dispersions, ceramic products, and mixtures. This industry plays a crucial role in the nuclear energy sector, providing the essential raw material for nuclear fuel production. As a key component of the broader nuclear fuel cycle, the activities described under this code contribute significantly to the global energy supply and the transition towards more sustainable power generation.

Production process

The main production techniques for natural uranium and its compounds involve mining, milling, and refining processes. Uranium ore is extracted from the earth's crust, typically through open-pit or underground mining methods. The ore is then milled to concentrate the uranium content, often using chemical leaching techniques. The resulting uranium concentrate, known as yellowcake, is then further refined and converted into various uranium compounds, such as uranium hexafluoride, which is a crucial input for the enrichment process in nuclear fuel fabrication.

Production inputs

The primary inputs for the production of natural uranium and its compounds include the uranium-bearing ore, as well as various chemicals and reagents used in the milling and refining processes. Specialized mining and processing equipment, such as crushers, leaching tanks, and centrifuges, are also essential inputs for this industry. Additionally, the industry relies on a skilled workforce with expertise in nuclear technology, mining, and chemical processing.

Production outputs

The main outputs of cpc code 3361 are the various forms of natural uranium and its compounds, including uranium hexafluoride, uranium dioxide, and other uranium-based materials. These outputs are primarily consumed by the 2330 Nuclear fuel elements manufacturing industry, which uses them as feedstock for the production of nuclear fuel for power generation and other applications. The outputs of this industry also find use in 2013 Manufacture of other inorganic basic chemicals and 2011 Manufacture of industrial gases sectors.

Family tree for natural uranium and its compounds; alloys, dispersions, ceramic products and mixtures containing natural uranium and its compounds

    graph LR
    A["<a href='/classifications/cpc/v2-1/3'>3: Other transportable goods, except metal products, machinery and equipment</a>"]
A --> B["<a href='/classifications/cpc/v2-1/33'>33: Coke oven products; refined petroleum products; nuclear fuel</a>"]
B --> C["<a href='/classifications/cpc/v2-1/336'>336: Radioactive elements and isotopes and compounds; alloys, dispersions, ceramic products and mixtures containing these elements, isotopes or compounds; radioactive residues</a>"]
C --> D["<a href='/classifications/cpc/v2-1/3361'>3361: Natural uranium and its compounds; alloys, dispersions, ceramic products and mixtures containing natural uranium and its compounds</a>"]

    C --> E["<a href='/classifications/cpc/v2-1/3362'>3362: Uranium enriched in U235 and its compounds; plutonium and its compounds; alloys, dispersions, ceramic products and mixtures containing uranium enriched in U235, plutonium or compounds of these products</a>"]
C --> F["<a href='/classifications/cpc/v2-1/3363'>3363: Uranium depleted in U235 and its compounds; thorium and its compounds; alloys, dispersions, ceramic products and mixtures containing uranium depleted in U235, thorium or compounds of these products</a>"]
C --> G["<a href='/classifications/cpc/v2-1/3369'>3369: Other radioactive elements and isotopes and compounds; alloys, dispersions, ceramic products and mixtures containing these elements, isotopes or compounds; radioactive residues</a>"]

    D --> H["<a href='/classifications/cpc/v2-1/33610'>33610: Natural uranium and its compounds; alloys, dispersions, ceramic products and mixtures containing natural uranium and its compounds</a>"]


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    classDef level6 color:#000,fill:#f1c40f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef highlight color:#000,fill:#fff,stroke:#000,stroke-width:5px



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class C level3
class D level4
class E level4
class F level4
class G level4
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  %% class B,C level2
  %% class D,E,F,G,H,I level2
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  %% class D highlight