Wyoming is America’s leading uranium producer. In 2012, Wyoming mines produced an estimated 1.3 million pounds of uranium. Wyoming’s known reserves are estimated at 350 million pounds.
Uranium is one of the most common elements on earth. In ancient times it was used in pigments and glazes, but since 1950 the primary use for this mineral is as fuel for nuclear power plants.
Wyoming’s uranium industry employs more than 300 people around the state.
As demand for reliable, clean energy remains, worldwide consumption of uranium is expected to grow to between 260 and 280 million pounds by 2025 (compared to 180 million pounds in 2010).
