Topics Covered: Disaster management.
About uranium and its uses:
Context:
The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested two persons with 7 kg natural uranium estimated to be worth around Rs 21 crore.
- The duo were placed under arrest under the Atomic Energy Act of 1962 for possessing uranium without licence.
What exactly is uranium and what are its uses?
Occurrence: occurs naturally in low concentrations in soil, rock and water and is commercially extracted from uranium-bearing minerals.
Applications:
- Uranium that has a silvery grey metallic appearance is mainly used in nuclear power plants due to its unique nuclear properties.
- Depleted uranium is also used as shield against radiation in medical processes using radiation therapy and also while transporting radioactive materials.
- Though itself radioactive, uranium’s high density makes it effective in halting radiation.
- Its high density also makes it useful as counterweights in aircraft and industrial machinery.
Uranium Mining In India:
- In India, Uranium deposits occur in the Dharwar rocks.
- It occurs along the Singbhum Copper belt (Jharkhand); Udaipur, Alwar and Jhunjhunu districts of Rajasthan, Durg district of Chhattisgarh, Bhandara district of Maharashtra and Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh.
- Significant quantity of reserves were recently discovered in parts of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana between Seshachalam forest and Sresailam (Southern edge of Andhra to Southern edge of Telangana).
InstaLinks:
Prelims Link:
- Radioactive vs non radioactive elements.
- What is half life of an element? How is it measured?
- Abundance of various elements in earth’s crust.
- How uranium contaminates groundwater?
- Uranium limits- BIS vs WHO.
Mains Link:
A recent report has highlighted uranium contamination in India’s groundwater. Discuss the causes, its effects and ways to address the issue?
Sources: Indian Express.
