Question

Nuclear power is obtained from which minerals?

Hint:

Mnemonic: \textbf{U & Th = Urja & Thermal (nuclear)} — Uranium in hard ores, Thorium in \textit{monazite} beach sands.

Answer 1

Step 1: Identify primary nuclear fuels.
Electricity in nuclear plants is produced by fission of fissile materials present in certain minerals. The two key naturally occurring sources are:
(1) Uranium (ores: uraninite/pitchblende, carnotite, torbernite)
(2) Thorium (ore: monazite found in beach sands)
Step 2: Clarify related fuel.
Plutonium (Pu-239) is also used as reactor fuel but it is produced inside reactors from Uranium-238; it is not mined as a primary mineral.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Thus, nuclear power is chiefly obtained from the minerals Uranium and Thorium.