US EditionNot All Uranium Can Be Used in Weapons. Here's What 'Enrichment' Means.
- In June 2025, the United States conducted attacks against locations in Iran suspected of containing highly enriched uranium, sparking renewed international concerns about nuclear proliferation.
- This event brought attention to uranium enrichment, a process increasing uranium-235 concentration to make it usable for reactors or weapons.
- Natural uranium contains about 0.7% uranium-235, while low enriched uranium contains 3%-5%, highly enriched uranium is about 20%, and weapons-grade uranium is 90% or more.
- Uranium contributes to about one-tenth of global electricity generation, plays a crucial role in fueling nuclear submarines and aircraft carriers, and is utilized in medical fields for treatments and diagnostic imaging related to cancer.
- International controls aim to prevent enrichment for weapons, and uranium’s use in energy and medicine highlights its broad impact amid growing global energy needs.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Seattle Pi
CT InsiderUranium enrichment: A chemist explains how the surprisingly common ...
The Conversation
Uranium enrichment: A chemist explains how the surprisingly common element is processed to power reactors and weapons
Yellowcake is a concentrated form of mined and processed uranium. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, CC BYWhen most people hear the word uranium, they think of mushroom clouds, Cold War standoffs or the glowing green rods from science fiction. But uranium isn’t just fuel for apocalyptic fears. It’s also a surprisingly common element that plays a crucial role in modern energy, medicine and geopolitics. Uranium reentered the global spotlight in June 2…
How it works with uranium
It is a long way from the mining of uranium ore to the disposal of nuclear waste. Uranium is extracted from the uranium ore, refined and finally made into a fuel element. The fuel remains in the reactor for around three years, followed by interim storage, reprocessing and recycling. The waste can then be disposed of. Uranium mining initially involves open-pit mining, underground mining or dissolution and extraction via boreholes (in-situ recover…
A chemist explains how the surprisingly common element is processed to power reactors and weapons - Tech and Science Post
When most people hear the word uranium, they think of mushroom clouds, Cold War standoffs or the glowing green rods from science fiction. But uranium isn’t just fuel for apocalyptic fears. It’s also a surprisingly common element that plays a crucial role in modern energy, medicine and geopolitics. Uranium reentered the global spotlight in June 2025, when the U.S. launched military strikes on sites in Iran believed to be housing highly enriched u…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
