UPSC Prelims 2009 Q30: Geography – Economic & Mineral Geography

UPSC Prelims 2009, General Studies Paper I · Geography

Which among the following has the world's largest reserves of Uranium ?

Answer: (a) Australia

Explanation

Country with the world's largest Uranium reserves

Among major uranium-producing nations, one holds the largest known reserves.

Option	Verdict	Reason
(a) Australia	Correct	Australia holds the world's largest known Uranium reserves, a significant global supplier
(b) Canada	Incorrect	A major producer, but not the holder of the largest reserves
(c) Russian Federation	Incorrect	Significant reserves, but not the largest
(d) USA	Incorrect	Also not the holder of the largest Uranium reserves

Uranium reserves by country:

Country	Status
Australia	Largest known reserves
Canada, Russia, USA	Significant, but smaller reserves

Answer: (a) Australia.

(a) CORRECT. Australia holds the world's largest known Uranium reserves.
(b) Incorrect. Canada, though a major producer, does not hold the largest reserves.
(c) Incorrect. Russia's reserves are significant but not the largest.
(d) Incorrect. USA's reserves are also not the largest globally.

Australia holds the world's largest known Uranium reserves, ahead of Canada, Russia, and the USA.

Australia holds the world's largest known Uranium reserves.

Confusing largest reserves with largest production (Kazakhstan, for instance, often leads in production, but not reserves).
Assuming traditionally nuclear-focused countries like the USA or Russia automatically hold the largest reserves.
Not knowing Australia's specific standing as the top reserve-holder.

Australia = world's largest Uranium RESERVES. Don't confuse reserves with production leaders (which can differ, e.g., Kazakhstan for production).

OECD Nuclear Energy Agency and International Atomic Energy Agency — Uranium 2007: Resources, Production and Demand (the Red Book)
World Nuclear Association — World Uranium Mining Production