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Brazil Engages with Russia for Uranium Supply to Nuclear Power Plants

Indústrias Nucleares do Brasil has signed a contract with Internexco GmbH to export 275,000 kilograms of uranium concentrate for enrichment abroad. The enriched uranium will be reimported to Brazil for use in Angra 1 and 2 nuclear power plants by December 2027. This move aims to boost Brazil’s uranium production and reduce reliance on imports.

Indústrias Nucleares do Brasil (INB) has formalized a contract with Internexco GmbH, a subsidiary of Russia’s state-owned Rosatom, for the exportation of up to 275,000 kilograms of uranium concentrate (U3O8) sourced from Caetité, Bahia. This uranium will be processed and enriched abroad, with the final enriched product, UF6 (4.25%), scheduled to return to Brazil by December 2027 for use in Eletronuclear’s Angra 1 and 2 nuclear power plants.

INB President Adauto Seixas indicated that logistical preparations for the shipments are in progress, which encompasses local transport within Brazil, hiring international maritime shipping from Salvador to Russia, and securing the necessary export licenses.

Mr. Seixas stated, “The INB plans to increase the frequency of these contracts through future international bidding processes, following the successful resumption of uranium production in Caetité.” Although INB does not handle the conversion stage of the nuclear fuel cycle, this transformation of “yellowcake” into uranium hexafluoride is vital for uranium enrichment.

Uranium’s gaseous form is enriched to augment the concentration of fissionable isotopes. INB is gradually establishing an enrichment facility at its nuclear fuel factory in Resende, Rio de Janeiro, which is expected to meet 70% of the annual enriched uranium requirements for Angra 1.

Through an international bidding process, INB ensured the selection of proposals based on competitive global pricing while adhering to all essential technical requirements. In January, Valor reported a resurgence of interest from the private sector in Brazil’s uranium extraction sector due to recent regulatory reforms, attracting companies such as Rosatom and Galvani.

Despite holding the eighth-largest uranium reserves globally and possessing the capability to enrich uranium for peaceful applications, Brazil paradoxically imports a majority of its uranium needs. Currently, the nation achieves only 40% of the fuel required for Angra 1 (640 MW) through domestic mining, relying primarily on imports from Russia.

While uranium extraction remains focused in Caetité, a new mining project is under development in Santa Quitéria, Ceará, currently navigating public hearings for regulatory approval.

In summary, the recent contract between Indústrias Nucleares do Brasil and Internexco GmbH highlights Brazil’s strategy to enhance its uranium supply chain while addressing the paradox of significant imports despite ample reserves. The ongoing development of domestic facilities for uranium enrichment is expected to bolster local production and reduce reliance on external sources, paving the way for increased self-sufficiency in nuclear fuel for Angra 1 and 2 power plants.

Original Source: valorinternational.globo.com

Niara Abdi

Niara Abdi is a gifted journalist specializing in health and wellness reporting with over 13 years of experience. Graduating from the University of Nairobi, Niara has a deep commitment to informing the public about global health issues and personal wellbeing. Her relatable writing and thorough research have garnered her a wide readership and respect within the health journalism community, where she advocates for informed decision-making.

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