Indústrias Nucleares do Brasil has signed a contract with Rosatom’s subsidiary for exporting 275,000 kg of uranium concentrate. This uranium will be enriched abroad and used for Angra 1 and 2 nuclear plants by 2027. INB plans to enhance local uranium production while Brazil continues to import most of its uranium needs despite having significant reserves.
Indústrias Nucleares do Brasil (INB) has finalized a contract with Internexco GmbH, a subsidiary of Russia’s state-owned Rosatom, for the export of up to 275,000 kg of uranium concentrate (U3O8) sourced from Caetité, Bahia. This uranium will be converted and enriched outside Brazil, subsequently reimported as enriched UF6 at a concentration of 4.25% by December 2027. This enriched uranium will be utilized to fuel the Angra 1 and 2 nuclear power plants, operated by Eletronuclear.
INB President Adauto Seixas confirmed that shipment logistics are in progress, covering domestic transport in Brazil and international shipping from Salvador to Russia. Necessary export licenses are also being secured. “The INB plans to increase the frequency of these contracts through future international bidding processes,” said Mr. Seixas, highlighting the aim to expand uranium production following the recovery of operations at Caetité.
The conversion process of uranium, which involves transforming “yellowcake” into uranium hexafluoride (UF6), is the only step of the nuclear fuel cycle that INB does not perform. This transformation is essential as UF6 can easily be converted into gas, allowing for uranium enrichment necessary to enhance the concentration of fissionable isotopes. Additionally, INB is developing its own enrichment facilities in Resende, Rio de Janeiro, which are projected to meet 70% of the enriched uranium demand for Angra 1.
INB engaged in a competitive international bidding process for the contract, ensuring compliance with technical standards while obtaining the most competitive global pricing. Recent legislative changes in Brazil’s uranium extraction framework have attracted private companies, including Rosatom and Galvani, indicating growing interest in the nation’s underutilized uranium resources.
Despite Brazil possessing the eighth-largest uranium reserves globally and having enrichment capabilities for peaceful uses, it paradoxically imports a large share of its uranium. Currently, it mines only 40% of the required fuel for Angra 1 (640 MW), compensating for the deficit through imports, predominantly from Russia.
Currently, uranium extraction primarily occurs in Caetité, Bahia, while a new mining initiative is under development in Santa Quitéria, Ceará. This project is undergoing public hearings as part of the approval process to commence operations.
INB’s recent contract with Rosatom marks a significant step in Brazil’s uranium supply for its nuclear power plants. The logistical operations for uranium export are underway, with a strategic aim to enhance local uranium production. Despite abundant uranium reserves, Brazil’s reliance on imports continues to be a key theme, emphasizing the need for further investment in domestic extraction capabilities. Furthermore, ongoing developments such as the Santa Quitéria project may bolster the country’s uranium landscape.
Original Source: valorinternational.globo.com
