In a boost to its indigenous nuclear power programme, India has discovered large uranium deposits at Rohil in Rajasthan’s Sikar district.
The uranium ore deposits at Rohil Central are estimated at 5,185 tonnes but of a low grade, officials said.
At 5,185 tonnes, the deposits are considered to be significant and the fourth largest in the country after Tummalapalle, Chitrial and Peddagattu extension in Andhra Pradesh.
The adjoining Rohil North region has 381 tonnes of uranium ore.
“It is only an initial find. We need more extensive surveys all along to know the width and the depth of the find,” Atomic Energy Commission Chairman R K Sinha told PTI.
Sinha said the Department was investing heavily on exploration of uranium across the country and had augmented its reserves by 50 per cent in the 11th Plan period.
As of June this year, the Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research has established 1.84 lakh tonnes of uranium ore resources across the country.
The Uranium Corporation of India Limited has mining operations at Bagjata, Jaduguda, Bhatin, Narwapahar, Mohuldih, Tummalapalle, Turamdih underground mines and Banduhurang opencast mines. It also runs two processing plants at Jaduguda and Turamdih.
At present, India operates 20 nuclear power plants at six sites across the country which have the capacity to generate 4,780 MW of electricity.
Of the 20 nuclear power plants in operation in the country, 10 use imported uranium while the rest use domestic fuel.