Jamshedpur, Dec. 1: India has access to “cheap” uranium ore after signing the nuclear agreement but it moving ahead with the uranium mines expansion programme.

Speaking at a press conference after commissioning UCIL’s Bagjata mines around 50km from Jamshedpur today, Anil Kakodkar, the chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission and secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India, said the new uranium mines would make India self-sufficient.

The new underground mines would have a capacity of 500 tonne per day.

When asked about this move, Kakodkar said: “We don’t want to take chances keeping in mind our earlier experiences. The new mines would ensure uninterrupted supply of uranium for our upcoming nuclear power plants in the country.”

Kakodkar said there are 17 nuclear plants in the country, which are facing a shortage of uranium. Most of these plants are operating on 50 per cent of the plant load factor.

Besides increasing uranium production, the country would import uranium from other countries for feeding nuclear power plants.

Agreeing that the uranium produced in country is dearer than what is available, Kakodkar added: “The price of uranium in the international market would keep fluctuating according to the demand, which is set to rise in the coming years. We have no other choice but to become self-sufficient.”

At present, the UCIL is operating four mines in East Singhbhum, Jadugoda, Turamdih, Narwapahar and Bhatin. It took them three years to commission the Bagjata mines at an investment of Rs 97 crore. The mine, with an ore reserve of 4.21 million tonne is expected to last 23 years.

Besides, UCIL has also taken up the construction of the Mahuldih mine. “It would ensure all round development of the region, besides providing uranium security to the country. Earlier too, the UCIL has made a positive impact by starting development projects in remote areas,” said Ramendra Gupta, the chairman and managing director of UCIL.

UCIL is looking to start uranium mining at Domiasiat in Meghalaya and Lambapur and Pedagattu in Andhra Pradesh.