Ranked: The Countries With the Most Uranium
Key Takeaways:
- Australia dominates global uranium resources, holding 28% of the identified total—more than double Kazakhstan’s share.
- The combined resources of Australia, Kazakhstan, and Canada represent over half (52%) of the world’s known uranium supply.
- Global exploration has driven a significant increase in estimated uranium resources, exceeding 25% growth over the past decade.
- Uranium resources are highly concentrated geographically; Australia alone accounts for more than a quarter of the world’s identified reserves.
This graphic ranks countries by their identified recoverable uranium resources as of 2023. The data reflects resources potentially recoverable at costs up to $130 per kilogram of uranium. The figures presented represent estimates, and actual recoverable quantities can be affected by various factors (see below).
(Data Source: OECD Nuclear Energy Agency & International Atomic Energy Agency)
Australia Leads by a Wide Margin
In 2023, global identified uranium resources totaled approximately 5.9 million tonnes. A significant portion of this vital resource is concentrated within just three nations: Australia, Kazakhstan, and Canada.
Australia holds the world’s largest proven uranium reserve base, boasting 1.7 million tonnes of contained uranium metal – representing a commanding 28% of the global total. This substantial lead underscores Australia’s pivotal role in the future of nuclear energy. Its resources are more than double those held by Kazakhstan, currently the second-largest holder.
Top Uranium Resource Holders (2023)
| Country | Metric Tons of Identified Recoverable Uranium | Percentage of World Total |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | 1,671,200 | 28% |
| Kazakhstan | 813,900 | 14% |
| Canada | 582,000 | 10% |
| Namibia | 497,900 | 8% |
| Russia | 476,600 | 8% |
| Niger | 336,000 | 6% |
| South Africa | 320,900 | 5% |
| China | 270,500 | 5% |
| Brazil | 167,800 | 3% |
| Mongolia | 144,600 | 2% |
| Ukraine | 106,700 | 2% |
| Botswana | 87,200 | 1% |
| United States | 67,800 | 1% |
| Tanzania | 57,700 | 1% |
| World Total | 5,925,700 | 100% |
Note: Figures are rounded.
Having substantial uranium resources doesn’t automatically translate to high production volumes. Resource estimates reflect the known quantities that could be recovered economically. Actual uranium production is contingent upon factors such as mine development timelines, investment levels, regulatory approvals (permitting), and evolving government policies regarding nuclear energy.
