U3O8$86.00/lb0.62%|CCJ$121.082.31%|OKLO$74.444.12%|CEG$198.451.15%|URA$28.901.51%|URNM$52.302.84%|NXE$12.573.42%|U3O8$86.00/lb0.62%|CCJ$121.082.31%|OKLO$74.444.12%|CEG$198.451.15%|URA$28.901.51%|URNM$52.302.84%|NXE$12.573.42%|
SECOND ATOMIC AGE

Underground Uranium Mining

Underground uranium mining uses shafts and tunnels to access deep, high-grade ores. Conventional method for deposits >300m deep.

Stoping or shrinkage methods extract ore; highest grades like Cigar Lake (18% U). 25% global production; labor-intensive, ventilation critical for radon. Safety improved post-URAN-1 incidents.

Why it matters now

High-grade underground mines counter HALEU bottlenecks for advanced reactors in 2025-2026. Restart risks from flooding drive investor focus on diversified supply.