In A Historic Shift, India Opens Uranium Mining to Private Sector

India is poised to make a historic shift in its nuclear energy strategy by allowing private firms to mine, import, and process uranium—ending a decades-old state monopoly, said a report by Reuters.

Key Highlights of the Policy Shift

• Private Sector Entry: Companies can now mine, import, and supply control systems for nuclear plants.
• State Retains Core Control: Government will manage spent fuel reprocessing and plutonium waste.
• Timeline: Policy expected to be announced in FY26.

Nuclear Expansion Goals

Metric	Current Status	2047 Target
Nuclear Power Capacity	8.8 GW	100 GW
Share of Electricity from Nuclear	~2%	5%
Uranium Demand Coverage (Domestic)	~25%	Remainder to be imported

Implications for Industry & Investment

• Legal Overhaul: Amendments needed in mining, electricity, and FDI laws.
• Foreign Participation: Minority stakes in nuclear plants to be allowed.
• Corporate Interest: Indian conglomerates preparing investment plans.

Global Context

Countries like Canada, South Africa, and the United States already allow private firms to mine and process uranium, offering international precedents for India’s move.

This shift is part of Prime Minister Modi’s broader Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, aiming to make nuclear energy a cornerstone of India’s clean energy and energy security strategy.