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India Starts Uranium Exploration in Arunachal Pradesh Near China Border

In this article, we will discuss about India's Uranium Exploration in Arunachal Pradesh Near China Border. The Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research(AMD), a unit of Department of Atomic Energy has begun prospecting for Uranium in Arunachal Pradesh close to China Border.

About Nuclear Power Corporation of India(NPCIL)

NPCIL is a government owned undertaking founded in 1987 under the Department of Atomic Energy. All the country's Nuclear Reactor are currently administered and maintained by NPCIL. Its primary objective is to undertake the design, construction, operation and maintenance of Atomic Power Stations for generation of Electricity.

About Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research(AMD)

AMD is one of the oldest unit created on July 29, 1949 under Department of Atomic Energy as 'Rare Minerals Survey Unit'. It was later renamed first as ‘Raw Materials Division’ and then as ‘Atomic Minerals Division’ in 1958. The headquarter was also shifted from New Delhi to Hyderabad in 1974. More about AMD on Official Website.

India Starts Uranium Exploration in Arunachal Pradesh Near China Border

India Starts Uranium Exploration in Arunachal Pradesh 

Recently Director of AMD gave statement about the exploration of Uranium in Arunachal Pradesh where he conveyed that heliborne survey is not possible due to hills so they are manually going to explore the hill. He said Uranium Exploration has yielded positive results so they will continue the activity which will ultimately lead to mining in the area. The exploration was taken up in Aalo of West Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh, about 619 meters from ground level.

Why Uranium Exploration Important for India

In past few years, India struggled to run its Nuclear Reactors due to shortage of enriched Uranium(U-235) Fuel. Situation got further deteriorated due to multiple sanctions imposed on India, first after 1974 Pokhran Test and second time after 1999 Nuclear Test. It is only after 2008 India started getting Uranium for its reactors from Canada, Australia, Uzbekistan and from other countries in a limited amount. This created a heavy dependence on foreign Countries and hence to avoid this situation India is continuously looking for Uranium Reserves across the Country to achieve self Reliance.

Challenges in Uranium Exploration in Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh pose a challenging environment for any kind of survey and exploration due to its rough terrain. But the biggest challenge is the connectivity. The connectivity of Arunachal Pradesh with rest of India is still not well developed as compared to other states of India. Till now Arunachal Pradesh State Capital still has no airport. Recently India has developed an air connectivity with Mechuka, a small distant town in Arunachal Pradesh. An advanced Landing Ground(ALG) has been operationalized in 2016 to land larger aircraft like C-130J.

China Claims in Arunachal Pradesh

A major part of Arunachal Pradesh is claimed by both the People's Republic of China and Republic of China(Taiwan) as part of the region of South Tibet. During 1962 war, most of the Arunachal Pradesh was temporarily captured by Chinese Liberation Army. Even today PRC uses its influence to claim its territorial rights in Arunachal Pradesh.

List of Nuclear Power Plants in India

India and Asia's first Nuclear Reactor was the Apsara research reactor at Mumbai. Here is the complete list of Nuclear Power Plants in India.

  • Kalpakkam Atomic Power Station
  • Kakrapar Atomic Power Station
  • Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant
  • Tarapur Atomic Power Station
  • Rajasthan Atomic Power Station
  • Narora Atomic Power Station
  • Kaiga Nuclear Power Plant

Uses of Uranium

  • Used as Nuclear Fuel in Nuclear Power Stations to generate Electricity
  • Used as radio-isotopes for Medical Diagnosis and Research.
  • Used as radio-isotopes in food processing Industry to sterilize food products.
  • Used in Miniaturized Reactors in Submarines and also used to develop Nuclear Weapons.
  • Wide use in Space Industry to design Fuel Cell for long lasting energy source.
  • Other Important application can be found in Automobile, metallurgy and Aeronautics Industries.

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