10 Countries that Export the Most Uranium in the World

9. South Africa

Export: 603 tons in 2011

In South Africa uranium is produced as a by-product of gold mining in the Witwatersrand Basin. Last year the country produced 573 tons of uranium. Recently,  Australian mining company Peninsula Energy has announced that it plans to start first uranium mine in the country.  The mine will be located in Karoo district, home to 71,000 residents, and according to current plans it will operate during next 30 years. The project has raised concerns among Karoo residents who warn about potential environmental implications including land and water contamination in the area which already faces water scarcity. On the other side, the government insists on economic benefits that large-scale mining operation will bring including employment opportunities and much-needed resources for nuclear plants.