Philippines uranium discovery could fuel nuclear energy ambitions

Key facts

• Potential uranium reserves have been identified in the Larap-Paracale mining district in Camarines Norte, Philippines.
• Uraninite is the primary uranium-bearing mineral found in the examined surface samples.
• Researchers were able to process samples to obtain a uranium concentration of 305 parts per million.
• The Philippine Energy Plan targets 1,200 megawatts of nuclear power capacity by 2032.
• The discovery could support the Philippines' nuclear energy ambitions and critical minerals industry.

Scientists in the Philippines have identified potential uranium reserves in Camarines Norte, a development that could bolster the nation's nuclear energy goals and its critical minerals sector. The discovery was made in the Larap-Paracale mining district, an area explored since the 1950s.

Researchers from the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI), the University of the Philippines Diliman, and Japan’s Akita University confirmed that uraninite, a common uranium ore, is the primary uranium-bearing mineral in the examined surface samples from the Bessemer mine pit. The study, announced over the weekend, indicated that the material can be processed into a product with higher uranium content, a step toward producing yellowcake, an intermediate material for the nuclear fuel cycle.

The Philippines has historically been considered to have no domestic uranium potential. The Philippine Energy Plan aims to introduce at least 1,200 megawatts of nuclear power capacity by 2032. While the current concentration of 305 parts per million found in a 180 kg sample is considered low-grade and requires further exploratory drilling for commercial viability, it is significant given the country's previous lack of identified domestic uranium resources.

Alberto Dalusung III, an energy transition adviser, noted that if developed, the uranium could be an export product and improve the resilience of future nuclear power plants. He suggested the Philippines could potentially supply uranium to other ASEAN nations considering nuclear energy.