Uranium bubble of 2007
The uranium bubble of 2007 was a period of nearly exponential growth in the price of natural uranium, starting in 2005[2] and peaking at roughly $300/kg (or ~$135/lb) in mid-2007.[3] This coincided with significant rises of stock price of uranium mining and exploration companies.[4] After mid-2007, the price began to fall again and at end 2010 was relatively stable at around $100/kg.[5]
Contents
Causes
The upward trend for the prices of uranium was already apparent since 2003. This prompted increases in mining activity. A possible direct cause for the bubble is the flooding of the Cigar Lake Mine, Saskatchewan, which has the largest undeveloped high-grade uranium ore deposits in the world. This created uncertainty about short-term future of the uranium supply.[4] Other factors are speculation triggered by growing expectations around India and China's nuclear programs, and a reduction in available weapons-grade uranium.[6]
Impact
The impact of the bubble on nuclear power generation was small, as most power plants have long-term uranium delivery contracts,[7] and the price of natural uranium makes up only a small fraction of their operating cost. However, the sharp fall in prices after mid-2007 caused a lot of new companies focused on exploration and mining to lose their viability and go out of business.[4] Due to increased prospecting, known and inferred reserves of uranium have increased by 15% between 2005 and 2007.[8]
See also
References
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- ↑ http://www.cfr.org/energy/global-uranium-supply-demand/p14705
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