Mining of uranium and thorium ores

isic code 0721 covers the mining and extraction of uranium and thorium ores. These radioactive metals are essential for the nuclear power industry, which generates a significant portion of the world's electricity. The mining and processing of uranium and thorium ores is a highly specialized and tightly regulated industry, playing a crucial role in the global energy landscape.

The primary production techniques used in this industry involve open-pit or underground mining methods. Uranium and thorium ores are typically extracted from deposits located in the earth's crust, with the ores then undergoing various processing steps to concentrate and purify the radioactive elements. This may include crushing, grinding, leaching, and chemical separation processes to isolate the desired materials.

The key inputs required for the mining of uranium and thorium ores include specialized mining equipment, such as excavators, drilling rigs, and ore processing machinery. Additionally, significant amounts of energy, water, and chemical reagents are needed to extract and refine the radioactive materials. Skilled labor, including geologists, mining engineers, and technicians, is also a crucial input for this industry.

The primary outputs of isic code 0721 are uranium and thorium concentrates, which are then used as feedstock for the 2446 Manufacture of other chemical products n.e.c. industry, particularly for the production of nuclear fuel. These radioactive materials are essential for the 3510 Electric power generation, transmission and distribution industry, as they are used in nuclear power plants to generate electricity.