STATE AND PERSPECTIVES MINERAL AND RAW MATERIALS BASE OF URANIUM ORE OF UKRAINE

The state of the created uranium raw material base, which is the basis of nuclear energy of Ukraine, is characterized. The structure of reserves and resources of uranium ores of domestic objects is analyzed. The state balance accounts for 17 deposits, most of which are represented by low-yield albite-type ores. The level of industrial development of explored uranium-containing objects is considered. At present, the mining industry exploits 4 objects of uranium-sodium formations, which provide only a share of the state’s nuclear power needs. National plans and programs foresee an increase in annual extraction of uranium ores to 3520 thousand tons. Such pace of explored stocks will last for at least 50 years. To expand and strengthen the mineral-raw material base and to achieve the energy independence of the country, it is necessary to replenish it with rich highly profitable ores, the prerequisites of which detection are available within certain promising areas. Provided data on mineral resources and production of uranium in other countries. Ukraine’s place in the world’s balance is shown.