China's largest natural uranium production facility, the "National No.1 Uranium" project in Inner Mongolia, has officially commenced operations, signaling a strategic leap in sustainable energy development. The China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) announced the milestone Saturday, highlighting its potential to reshape Asia's nuclear energy landscape.
Smart Mining for a Sustainable Future
Located in Ordos, the demonstration project achieved its first uranium production just one year after construction began – a record pace for China’s nuclear sector. Utilizing third-generation mining technology, the facility integrates remote control systems, AI-driven analysis, and eco-friendly practices to minimize environmental impact while maximizing efficiency.
Powering Global Nuclear Leadership
CNNC subsidiary China National Uranium Co., Ltd. Chairman Yuan Xu emphasized the project’s role in advancing "predictable and controllable" uranium extraction. This breakthrough comes as China solidifies its position as the world’s leader in nuclear power capacity, with reactors operational, under construction, or approved surpassing all other nations.
Scaling Up for Energy Security
The technologies pioneered at Ordos are expected to drive rapid expansion of uranium mining across northern China’s resource-rich basins. Analysts suggest this could reduce reliance on imports and strengthen Asia’s position in the global clean energy transition, offering new opportunities for investors and tech partners in sustainable mining innovation.
