In a new series for Capital Research Center, Ned Mamula, member of the ARPN expert panel, adjunct scholar in geosciences at the Center for the Study of Science, Cato Institute, and co-author of “Groundbreaking! America’s New Quest for Mineral Independence,” takes a closer look at Uranium – an “underappreciated energy source.” 

In the four-part-part series, Mamula outlines the main properties  of uranium, provides a snapshot of the United States’ vast uranium resources—and why these resources remain largely untapped, and zeroes in on how Russia’s cornering the market affects the U.S. 

Mamula raises an important point:

“America in the 21st century runs on electricity, which is why this issue is rightfully discussed within the context of national security. As the nation approaches 100 percent reliance on foreign uranium, there is always the possibility for an embargo or partial restriction of exports to the U.S. by one or more countries. Such action may not be as dramatic as a rare earth-related or other critical-mineral embargo, because the U.S. does have alternative forms of energy to supply power. But that reasoning seems to ring hollow in terms of the great value America places on its comprehensive approach to provide reliable and affordable energy to the nation. The U.S. previously declared ‘energy independence’ and now the current administration policy is ‘energy dominance.’ Neither will come to pass if we abandon the American uranium industry.

Thus, a key question remains. Why does the U.S. rely on adversaries and unstable countries for uranium supplies, especially when uranium is in relative abundance in our own land? Ostensibly, the U.S. could mine and produce many tens of millions of pounds a year, relying on friendly countries for the remainder.”

He provides an answer himself:

“Answer: Because uranium import over-reliance and uranium mining underperformance are locked together—each is caused by the other—and the cycle continues to spiral downward in a race to the bottom.”

In the final installment of the series, Mamula shares his take on how the Russian purchase of a North American uranium producer could have “dire effects on the nation’s energy supply, the economy, and national security by threatening America’s uranium mining industry.”

Primarily known for its energy applications, (and thus falling under the purview of the Department of Energy) Uranium may have not been much of a focal point for  ARPN in the past.  However the policy issues surrounding it — many of which will have a familiar ring to them to followers of ARPN —  may warrant a closer look in the future.