Uranium is a chemical element in the periodic table that has the symbol U and atomic number 92. Heavy, silvery-white, toxic, metallic , and naturally- radioactive , uranium belongs to the actinide series and its isotope 235 U is used as the fuel for nuclear reactors and the explosive material for nuclear weapons. Uranium is commonly found in very small amounts in rocks , soil , water , plants , and animals (including humans).
Notable characteristics
When refined, uranium is a silvery white, weakly radioactive metal, which is slightly softer than steel. It is malleable, ductile, and slightly paramagnetic. Uranium metal has very high density , 65% more dense than lead , but slightly less dense than gold. When finely divided, it can react with cold water; in air, uranium metal becomes coated with uranium oxide. Uranium in ores can be extracted and chemically converted into uranium dioxide or other chemical forms usable in industry.
Should Australia go Nuclear?
An online poll has observed that about only one third of Australians oppose nuclear power. Approximately 24 per cent did not have an opinion on the issue and the remaining 43 per cent considered nuclear power to be a good idea. Of the 1,000 people surveyed by Essential Research, men favoured nuclear power more so than women and younger people tended to be less supportive. More than half of poll participants did not agree for Australia to take back nuclear waste produced from its uranium exports. So what do you think, Should Australia go Nuclear?
Should Australia go Nuclear? Is a very good question.
For many countries it would appear that they have little other choice than to use nuclear power to produce electricity. Here in Australia we have more than enough coal to last several centuries so we actually do have a choice. But for Australia to not provide our Uranium for export will condemn many countries to a lesser standard of living that probably will lead to social unrest and perhaps even geopolitical consequences.
That Australia has the ability to become a cradle to grave uranium producer/exporter and take part in the complete nuclear cycle and thus create massive wealth for Australia should in my opinion become a major discussion topic. Hopefully we will see a mature debate that relies on the analysis of facts not slogans.
But if the question posed is: Should Australia use its’ uranium to produce electricity here in Australia? Then by virtue of our massive energy wealth (Coal, LNG, Geothermal, CSM, UGC-GTL, Solar, Wind, Tidal) we seem to have the luxury of choice…. and as “choice is what makes us neurotic” we need to be vigilant that the discussion rests on facts, analysis and not rhetoric.
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