The Oil Drum

339 comments on DrumBeat: August 29, 2006

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roel on August 29, 2006 - 3:15pm

Though I see your point, I don't think Iran has any uranium as a resource.

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alistairC on August 29, 2006 - 3:39pm

Not huge quantities, but they started production at Saghand this year, and have built a facility to produce 50 tonnes of uranium per year.

That's what makes the enrichment of uranium for civilian use so plausible. Why would they want to rely on imported fuel, with the associated risks of cut-off, when they could master the whole fuel cycle and be independent?

I also think that they are only an adversary because the US wants to pick a fight with them.

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Telumehtar on August 29, 2006 - 3:50pm

Yup, and I believe there was another geological survey earlier this year which made another discovery of uranium in Iran.

Also as you note but I would like to add emphasis to, that the current capping factor for Iranian Uranium(say that 5 times fast) production is their refining capacity. If they built additional mills, they could up their yearly volume from 50 tonnes if they desired it.

Iran has most if not all the pieces for a self sufficient nuclear society. Even with sanctions its going to be tough to stop them. It will require a military strike to end their nuclear aspirations.

Iran is holding some interesting cards right now, high risk, but potentially high reward also.

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GreyZone on August 29, 2006 - 3:46pm

They have opened 10 uranium mines since 1988. Although it is not high quality uranium, it is sufficient to power reactors, though perhaps not on the scale Iran might ultimately wish. Also note that the heavy water reactor does not need enrichment and can use uranium to produce plutonium.