India may open uranium mining and processing to private sector

India is considering a policy to permit private companies to mine, import, and process uranium, Reuters reported, citing two government sources. The plan aims to attract significant investment, expand the country’s nuclear power sector, and increase nuclear power’s share to 5 per cent of total electricity generation.

The proposed framework would keep government control over reprocessing spent fuel and handling plutonium waste. It could also allow foreign firms to hold minority stakes in nuclear power plants. The policy is expected to be announced in the current financial year and may include provisions for private companies to supply control system equipment for nuclear facilities.

Currently, mining, import, and processing of uranium are entirely state-controlled due to concerns over safety and misuse. Government data indicates India has about 76,000 tonnes of uranium reserves, sufficient to fuel 10,000 MW of nuclear power for three decades. However, domestic supply would cover only about a quarter of projected demand, requiring increased imports.