UPSC Prelims 2006 Q100: Geography – Economic & Mineral Geography
Which one of the following countries is the leading producer of uranium?
- (a) United States of America
- (b) Canada
- (c) Germany
- (d) Zambia
Answer: (b) Canada
Explanation
Leading producer of uranium
| Country | Uranium production (mid-2000s) |
|---|---|
| USA | Much smaller output |
| Canada | World's largest producer, mainly from Saskatchewan's Athabasca Basin |
| Germany | Minor, closed old mines |
| Zambia | Not a major producer |
Canada was the leading producer of uranium at the time of the question.
Answer: (b) Canada.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The USA produced far less uranium than Canada.
- (b) CORRECT. Canada was the world's leading uranium producer.
- (c) Incorrect. Germany was a minor producer.
- (d) Incorrect. Zambia is not a leading uranium producer.
Key point
Canada, with its rich Saskatchewan mines, was the leading producer of uranium.
Remember
Leading uranium producer in the question's period: Canada.
Common mistakes
- Choosing the USA by assuming nuclear power equals mining output.
- Forgetting that Australia and Kazakhstan also rank high.
- Linking Zambia with copper rather than uranium.
Exam tip
Uranium: Canada (Athabasca Basin) led the mid-2000s; Kazakhstan later became the top producer.
Sources
- World Nuclear Association — World Uranium Mining Production
- OECD Nuclear Energy Agency and International Atomic Energy Agency — Uranium 2005: Resources, Production and Demand (the Red Book)