On July 12, the "National No 1 Uranium" demonstration project of China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), located in Ordos, produced its first barrel of uranium product.

The first barrel of uranium product produced by the "National No 1 Uranium" demonstration project. [Photo/WeChat account of Nuan News]

The "National No 1 Uranium" demonstration project is China's largest, highest-standard, and most advanced natural uranium production base. The project commenced construction on July 12, 2024, and within one year, it had started production, setting a new record for construction speed in this sector.

The production of the first barrel of uranium charts a new chapter of green, safe, intelligent, and efficient uranium resource development in China. The project will provide a solid resource guarantee for national energy security and the advancement of the nuclear industry, while significantly enhancing China's international competitiveness in the natural uranium sector.

Gas storage tanks of the "National No 1 Uranium" demonstration project. [Photo/WeChat account of Nuan News]

"The project marks a major achievement in China's third-generation uranium mining and processing technology, featuring environmental protection, remote control operations, intelligent analysis, and enhanced quality and efficiency. Through full-process digitalization and intelligent analysis, the project has made uranium mining more predictable and controllable," said Yuan Xu, chairman of China National Uranium Co, a subsidiary of CNNC.

Aerial view of the "National No 1 Uranium" demonstration project. [Photo/WeChat account of Nuan News]

The technology of "National No 1 Uranium" will be extensively applied and rapidly scaled across northern China's basins in Ereenhot, Ordos, and Ili to promote uranium development. This will facilitate the creation of multiple new large-scale uranium mining bases, ensuring ample supply of uranium resources to support the growth of the nuclear energy sector.