Long-term shortage of uranium resources
Name(s):
Uranium ores and concentrates shortage
Excessive cost of uranium fuel
Incidence
An anticipated long-term shortage of uranium resources for domestic and military uses activated intense geological exploration in the 1960s and 70s, with several new uranium mines being opened around the world.
Counter-claim
In the 1960s, it was believed that a world shortage would send uranium prices above $400 per kg, forcing a shift to plutonium reactor fuel. In 1993, a kilo of uranium costs around $20, and the end of the Cold War has turned plutonium from a security asset (for the manufacture of weapons) into a burden.
Broader
Strategy(ies)
Value(s)
Type
(E) Emanations of other problems