Worldwide Demand for Uranium Places Utah in Mining Mix

In western Colorado and eastern Utah, where salt wash deposits and sandstone hold uranium ore, there’s a scramble on for mining claims, a demand for processing facilities and a clamor for miners.

The latest race for uranium yellowcake, spurred by plans for increased nuclear power across the globe, follows years when claim activity was nearly nil.

The 435 nuclear reactors in the world, including 104 in the United States, need 180 million pounds of uranium annually, but only 100 million pounds have been produced in recent years. China and India are leading a worldwide push for more nuclear power with ambitious plans for new power plants. President Bush wants to increase the 20 percent of U.S. power produced in nuclear plants.