U.S. Uranium Production Triples in 2025
U.S. uranium concentrate production surged to 2.1 million pounds in 2025, the highest level since 2017 and more than triple the 2024 output.
U.S. uranium concentrate production more than tripled in 2025, reaching 2.1 million pounds of triuranium octoxide (U3O8). This output, reported by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), marks the highest annual total since 2017. For more detailed historical figures, see our stats page.
Producing U3O8, commonly called yellowcake, is a primary step in manufacturing nuclear reactor fuel. After uranium ore is mined, it undergoes milling to extract the uranium, resulting in the powdered U3O8. This material is then sent for further conversion and enrichment before being fabricated into fuel pellets and rods.
Exploration and Development Drilling Surges
Exploration activity to locate new uranium deposits increased significantly in 2025. Companies drilled 1,824 exploration holes, totaling over 1.0 million feet. This compares to 1,324 holes and 0.6 million feet drilled in 2024.
Development drilling, which measures the size and quality of known deposits, also rose. In 2025, this work involved 3,708 holes with a total footage of 1.30 million feet, up from 2,462 holes and 1.26 million feet the previous year. This data is part of the broader fixtures for industry activity.
Nuclear Plant Purchases and Prices
Despite the rise in domestic production, purchases by U.S. nuclear power plants fell. Owners and operators bought a total of 46.9 million pounds of U3O8 equivalent in 2025, down from 55.9 million pounds in 2024.
They paid a weighted-average price of $58.46 per pound for their uranium. This represents an 11% increase over the 2024 average price of $52.71 per pound. Purchases were made from both domestic and foreign suppliers.
Foreign Sources Dominate Deliveries
The vast majority of uranium delivered to U.S. reactors in 2025 came from other countries. Domestic-origin material accounted for just 7% of total deliveries.
Canada was the leading source, supplying 32% of the uranium delivered. Kazakhstan followed with 28%, and Australia provided 15% of the total. The EIA notes that more detailed data is available in its Domestic Uranium Production Report and Uranium Marketing Annual Report.
| Metric | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. U3O8 Production (million lbs) | Not Specified | 2.1 |
| Exploration Holes Drilled | 1,324 | 1,824 |
| Exploration Footage (million ft) | 0.6 | 1.0 |
| Development Holes Drilled | 2,462 | 3,708 |
| Development Footage (million ft) | 1.26 | 1.30 |
| Plant Purchases (million lbs U3O8 eq.) | 55.9 | 46.9 |
| Weighted-Average Price ($/lb) | 52.71 | 58.46 |
The report was contributed by Slade Johnson of the EIA.
