| Type | Public |
|---|---|
| Industry | Uranium Mining, Uranium Processing |
| Founded | 1967 |
| Headquarters | Singhbhum, India |
| Products | Uranium Concentrate |
| Website | ucil.gov.in |
Uranium Corporation of India (UCIL) is an centrally owned Public Sector Undertaking (PSU), under the Department of Atomic Energy for Uranium mining and Uranium Processing. The corporation was founded in 1967 and is responsible for the mining and milling of Uranium ore in India.[1] The firm operates mines at Jadugora, Bhatin, Narwapahar, Turamdih and Banduhurang[2]
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It is the first uranium mine of India which started its operations in 1967 . This mine is located in the state of Jharkhand.[3] Jadugoda process plant is located close to the mine which is used for the processing of the uranium ore. The ore from Bhatin and Narwapahar mines is also processed here.
This mine is located 3km away from Jaduguda and shares most of the infrastructure with the Jaduguda mine.
This mine was commissioned in April 1995. It is known to be the most modern mine of the country.
Turamdih mine is located 24km to the west of Jaduguda. It has been commissioned in 2003. Turamdih Processing Plant has been set up to treat the ore from Turamdih, Banduharang and Mohuldin mines.
UCIL has taken up activities to start two underground mines in Jharkhand. Uranium reserves have been found in the state of Andhra Pradesh and the construction of an underground mine has started in Cuddapah district. [4]
There was criticism from certain sections of the local community that the mining operations of UCIL was resulting in harmful radiation to the public.[5] However medical surveys later conducted showed no proof for the claim and showed that the cancer incidence in the area was less than one-third of the national average.[6]
UCIL was also among the 63 Indian establishments put under sanction by USA in 1998.[7]
The mining activities of UCIL in the Khasi Hills were also fiercely opposed by the local tribals protesting against potential health effects.[8]