Villagers in A.P. boycott meeting over uranium exploration

Villagers in A.P. boycott meeting over uranium exploration

Sub : Geo

Sec: Eco Geo

Context:

• Farmers and villagers from Kappatralla and nearby areas in Devanakonda mandal boycotted a government meeting intended to discuss uranium exploration in the local forest area.
• They demanded the government halt the proposed uranium exploration in the Kappatralla reserve forest.

Uranium mineral:

• Uranium minerals are naturally occurring substances that contain uranium, a heavy metal used primarily as fuel in nuclear reactors and in the production of nuclear weapons.

Common Uranium Minerals:

1. Uraninite (Pitchblende):
   • The most significant ore of uranium, containing about 80% uranium oxide (UO2).
   • It typically appears black or brown and has a high density.
2. Carnotite:
   • A potassium-uranium vanadate mineral (K2(UO2)2(VO4)2·3H2O).
   • Bright yellow in color and often found in sedimentary deposits.
3. Autunite:
   • A hydrated calcium uranium phosphate (Ca(UO2)2(PO4)2·10-12H2O).
   • It is fluorescent and commonly found in oxidized zones of uranium deposits.
4. Torbernite:
   • A hydrated copper uranium phosphate (Cu(UO2)2(PO4)2·8-12H2O).
   • Green in color and known for its beautiful crystal formations.
5. Boltwoodite:
   • A potassium uranium silicate mineral (K(UO2)(SiO3)·1.5H2O).
   • Usually found in weathered uranium deposits and has a yellow-green color.

Uranium Deposits in India:

• Geological Suitability:
  • Only a small portion of India’s land mass is geologically suitable for uranium deposits.
  • Over 70 years of exploration has identified five primary types of uranium deposits: vein type, sandstone type, strata-bound type, fracture-controlled type, and unconformity proximal type.
• Major Uranium Deposits:
  • Singhbhum Shear Zone: Jharkhand
  • Cuddapah Basin: Andhra Pradesh and Telangana
  • Mahadek Basin: Meghalaya
  • Delhi Supergroup of Rocks: Rajasthan
  • Bhima Basin: Karnataka
• Uranium Resource Distribution:
  • Andhra Pradesh: 49%
  • Jharkhand: 26%
  • Meghalaya: 9%
  • The remaining deposits are scattered across other states.
• Deposit Quality:
  • India’s uranium deposits are generally smaller and lower in grade compared to those found in major uranium-producing countries.

Uranium Production in India:

• Mining Operations by UCIL:
  • Jharkhand Mines:
    • Six underground mines: Bagjata, Jaduguda, Bhatin, Narwapahar, Turamdih, and Mohuldih.
    • One open-pit mine: Banduhurang.
    • Ore from these mines is processed at two plants in Jaduguda and Turamdih.
  • Andhra Pradesh:
    • Large underground mine and processing plant at Tummalapalle, YSR District.
    • Uses an indigenous alkaline leaching technology suited for processing low-grade uranium ore.
• Uranium Processing and Fuel Fabrication:
  • The uranium concentrate produced from these plants is sent to the Nuclear Fuel Complex in Hyderabad for further purification and fabrication into nuclear fuel rods.

States and Uranium production:

Global Uranium Resources:

• Kazakhstan: The largest producer of uranium, primarily through in-situ recovery methods.
• Canada: Known for high-grade uranium mines, particularly in the Athabasca Basin.
• Australia: Holds significant reserves and produces uranium from several mines.