US uranium output triples as nuclear fuel becomes a defence priority

In 2025, the United States saw a significant surge in uranium production, more than tripling to reach a peak output since 2017. The US Energy Information Administration reported that mines generated 2.1 million pounds of uranium concentrate in 2025, up from 657,000 pounds the previous year. This increase in domestic output was accompanied by heightened exploration and development activities within the sector.

However, the United States remains heavily reliant on foreign uranium sources. In 2025, American nuclear operators acquired 46.9 million pounds of uranium concentrate equivalent, with only 7% of the uranium delivered to reactors hailing from domestic sources. This underscores the extent of the challenge Washington faces, as mines still only meet a fraction of the country's nuclear fuel needs. Major suppliers include Canada, Kazakhstan, and Australia.

The dependence on foreign uranium becomes even more pronounced as uranium concentrate moves through the nuclear fuel chain. It must undergo conversion and enrichment before it can fuel reactors. This process is critical for powering US navy submarines and aircraft carriers, highlighting the importance of a secure and reliable uranium supply chain for the nation's nuclear-powered fleet.

The United States has been striving to rebuild its domestic uranium enrichment capabilities, which had declined over the past decade. A Government Accountability Office report revealed that the US had lacked the ability to produce enriched uranium meeting national-security standards since 2013, necessitating reliance on existing stocks and renewed efforts to restore domestic production.

Recognizing the strategic importance of strengthening the uranium supply chain, the US Department of Energy allocated $2.7 billion in January 2026 for expanding domestic uranium enrichment capacity. This funding is part of a larger initiative to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers and bolster the country's nuclear fuel supply chain.

For the US military, bolstering access to domestic uranium and enrichment capacity directly supports the long-term fuel requirements of nuclear-powered submarines, aircraft carriers, and the nuclear weapons program, while mitigating the risks of foreign supply disruptions.