Uranium Resources in Jordan … Securing Our Fuel Supply for the Next 100 Years

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Jordan Atomic Energy Commission

ا�� ا��آ��ر ��ل Ned Xoubi, PhD

Uranium Resources in Jordan:Securing Our Fuel Supply for the Next 100 Years

ه��ــ� ا��ـ� ـ� ا��رـ� ا�رد��ــ� xoubi

Jordan Atomic Energy Commission

The International Conference on Materials in JordanMarch 4-6, 2009 German-Jordanian University Amman - Jordan

Ned Xoubi, PhDCommissioner for Nuclear Fuel Cycle, JAEC

Director General, Jordan Energy Resources Inc.

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Uranium Resources in Jordan: Uranium Resources in Jordan: Uranium Resources in Jordan: Uranium Resources in Jordan: Uranium Resources in Jordan: Uranium Resources in Jordan: Uranium Resources in Jordan: Uranium Resources in Jordan: Uranium Resources in Jordan: Uranium Resources in Jordan: Uranium Resources in Jordan: Uranium Resources in Jordan:

Securing Our Fuel SupplySecuring Our Fuel SupplySecuring Our Fuel SupplySecuring Our Fuel SupplySecuring Our Fuel SupplySecuring Our Fuel SupplySecuring Our Fuel SupplySecuring Our Fuel SupplySecuring Our Fuel SupplySecuring Our Fuel SupplySecuring Our Fuel SupplySecuring Our Fuel Supplyfor the Next for the Next for the Next for the Next 100100100100 Years Years Years Yearsfor the Next for the Next for the Next for the Next 100100100100 Years Years Years Yearsfor the Next for the Next for the Next for the Next 100100100100 Years Years Years Years

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Invited Talk

Jordan Atomic Energy Commission ه��ــ� ا��ـ� ـ� ا��رـ� ا�رد��ــ� xoubi

March 4th 2009

Nuclear Material ResourcesNuclear Material ResourcesNuclear Material ResourcesNuclear Material ResourcesNuclear Material ResourcesNuclear Material ResourcesNuclear Material ResourcesNuclear Material ResourcesNuclear Material ResourcesNuclear Material ResourcesNuclear Material ResourcesNuclear Material Resources

� Lack of conventional energy resources, Jordan Imports over 95% of its energy needs

� Development of secure alternative energy supply is a top priority for Jordan

� The development of nuclear material resources in Jordan is � Another bridge that will link Jordan to

the nuclear world

� An important milestone in Jordan’s quest to build its nuclear program


March 4th 2009

Jordan Atomic Energy CommissionJordan Atomic Energy CommissionJordan Atomic Energy CommissionJordan Atomic Energy CommissionJordan Atomic Energy CommissionJordan Atomic Energy CommissionJordan Atomic Energy CommissionJordan Atomic Energy CommissionJordan Atomic Energy CommissionJordan Atomic Energy CommissionJordan Atomic Energy CommissionJordan Atomic Energy Commission

� Jordan Atomic Energy Commission (JAEC) was established last year

� Nuclear Energy Law ( Law No. 42 of 2007) and its Amendments of 2008

� JAEC is entrusted with the development and execution of the Jordanian nuclear power program

� JERI is the commercial arm of JAEC

� JERI is a private shareholding company wholly owned by JAEC


March 4th 2009

Uranium Policy Uranium Policy Uranium Policy Uranium Policy Uranium Policy Uranium Policy Uranium Policy Uranium Policy Uranium Policy Uranium Policy Uranium Policy Uranium Policy

� The exploration, extraction, and mining of all nuclear materials; including Uranium, Thorium, Zirconium and Vanadium is now under the authority of Jordan Atomic Energy Commission

� Uranium is a strategic resource

� Uranium exploitation policy is to maximize sovereignty while creating value from resource

� Avoid Concessions to foreign companies

� Assurance of nuclear fuel supply for Jordan’s Nuclear Power Plants


March 4th 2009

1979/1980 Airborne survey

Gamma intensity of up to 2000 cps

Source: NRASource: NRA

Source: NRA

12 Areas with high radiation intensity were identified

Mostly related to Areas with Phosphate rock formations

Countrywide SurveyCountrywide SurveyCountrywide Survey


March 4th 2009

Ruwaished

Wadi Bahiyyah

Central Jordan

Northern Jordan

Haranah

Ruwaished

Haranah

Central Jordan

Ruwaished

Haranah

Wadi Bahiyyah

Wadi Sahb Elabiadh

Potential Areas of UraniumPotential Areas of UraniumPotential Areas of Uranium


March 4th 2009

Central Jordan AreaCentral Jordan AreaCentral Jordan AreaCentral Jordan AreaCentral Jordan AreaCentral Jordan AreaCentral Jordan AreaCentral Jordan AreaCentral Jordan AreaCentral Jordan AreaCentral Jordan AreaCentral Jordan Area

� Data available is preliminary

� Uranium deposits are mostly surfacial

� Overburden thickness is 0.5 - 3 m (NRA)

� Uranium concentration of 200 – 2700 ppm (NRA)

� A total area of approximately 1400 km²

� Estimated total reserves of 64,000 tons (NRA)


March 4th 2009

Central Jordan ProjectCentral Jordan ProjectCentral Jordan ProjectCentral Jordan ProjectCentral Jordan ProjectCentral Jordan ProjectCentral Jordan ProjectCentral Jordan ProjectCentral Jordan ProjectCentral Jordan ProjectCentral Jordan ProjectCentral Jordan Project

� ا�PYآ� ا�رد�� XMدر ا�� ا�PYآ� ا�رد�� XMدر ا��

Jordanian French Uranium Mining Co

Established December 18, 2008

Startup Capital $80 Million


March 4th 2009

CJ Work in ProgressCJ Work in ProgressCJ Work in ProgressCJ Work in ProgressCJ Work in ProgressCJ Work in ProgressCJ Work in ProgressCJ Work in ProgressCJ Work in ProgressCJ Work in ProgressCJ Work in ProgressCJ Work in Progress

� Detailed exploration program� Environmental and Hydrology

� Geochemical, Geophysical, Geological programs

� Samples measurements at JAEC

� Reserve estimation

� Bankable feasibility study (BFS)

� Uranium production in 2012 (Areva)

� 2000 tons per year (estimated) (Areva)

� French and Jordanian geologists are currently working in the area


March 4th 2009

Reconnaissance & ProspectingReconnaissance & ProspectingReconnaissance & ProspectingReconnaissance & ProspectingReconnaissance & ProspectingReconnaissance & ProspectingReconnaissance & ProspectingReconnaissance & ProspectingReconnaissance & ProspectingReconnaissance & ProspectingReconnaissance & ProspectingReconnaissance & Prospecting

� MOU with Rio-Tinto

� Reconnaissance and Prospecting

� Three Areas

� Uranium, Thorium, Zirconium and other nuclear minerals

� Joint Venture


March 4th 2009

Northern Jordan ExplorationNorthern Jordan ExplorationNorthern Jordan ExplorationNorthern Jordan ExplorationNorthern Jordan ExplorationNorthern Jordan ExplorationNorthern Jordan ExplorationNorthern Jordan ExplorationNorthern Jordan ExplorationNorthern Jordan ExplorationNorthern Jordan ExplorationNorthern Jordan Exploration

� Includes Housha and Hamra located in Mafraq province

� Under active exploration by Jordanian teams

� Preliminary data� Approximately 150 Km2

� Low grade Approximately 200 ppm

� Overburden Approximately 1.0 m

� Ore thickness Approximately 5-8 m


March 4th 2009

Wadi Bahiyyah ExplorationWadi Bahiyyah ExplorationWadi Bahiyyah ExplorationWadi Bahiyyah ExplorationWadi Bahiyyah ExplorationWadi Bahiyyah ExplorationWadi Bahiyyah ExplorationWadi Bahiyyah ExplorationWadi Bahiyyah ExplorationWadi Bahiyyah ExplorationWadi Bahiyyah ExplorationWadi Bahiyyah Exploration

URC

MCM

� Under active exploration by Jordanian teams

� Approximately 1400 Km2

� Preliminary data Low grade Approximately 200 ppm


March 4th 2009

Secondary UraniumSecondary UraniumSecondary UraniumSecondary UraniumSecondary UraniumSecondary UraniumSecondary UraniumSecondary UraniumSecondary UraniumSecondary UraniumSecondary UraniumSecondary Uranium

� Uranium is present In phosphate

� Approximately 50-100 ppm

� Estimated total uranium in phosphate is 100-140 thousand tons

� Two production plants are foreseen

� Annual production of 78-100 tons of uranium per plant

� 25-30 years plant life


March 4th 2009

Energy ChallengesEnergy ChallengesEnergy ChallengesEnergy ChallengesEnergy ChallengesEnergy ChallengesEnergy ChallengesEnergy ChallengesEnergy ChallengesEnergy ChallengesEnergy ChallengesEnergy Challenges

� Lack of indigenes resources� Dependence on imports

� High Cost … 24% of GDP

� Growing energy demands� Increasing Population

� Lifestyle changes

� High development aspirations� Dead-Red Canal

� Desalination

� Passenger Train

Jordan’s stability

and economic

prospects depend

heavily on Jordan’s

ability to find

realistic solutions to

Rapid increase in

Energy Demands

&

Scarce water

resources


March 4th 2009

Electrical DemandElectrical DemandElectrical DemandElectrical DemandElectrical DemandElectrical DemandElectrical DemandElectrical DemandElectrical DemandElectrical DemandElectrical DemandElectrical Demand

Source 2008 NEPCO, DOE, NX

0.0

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

5.0

6.0

7.0

8.0

9.0

1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2030 2040

GW

Jordan Electrical Growth and Demand (1000 MW)


March 4th 2009

Energy OptionsEnergy OptionsEnergy OptionsEnergy OptionsEnergy OptionsEnergy OptionsEnergy OptionsEnergy OptionsEnergy OptionsEnergy OptionsEnergy OptionsEnergy Options

� Imported Oil & NG option:

� Unsecured, Expensive

� Renewables option:

� Limited utilization

� Can’t be base load

� Oil Shale option:

� Feasibility is to be proven

� Nuclear option:

� High capitol cost

The most expensive power

option

is the

NO Power Option


March 4th 2009

The Nuclear OptionThe Nuclear OptionThe Nuclear OptionThe Nuclear OptionThe Nuclear OptionThe Nuclear OptionThe Nuclear OptionThe Nuclear OptionThe Nuclear OptionThe Nuclear OptionThe Nuclear OptionThe Nuclear Option

� Safe, Proven, Reliable, Low-cost supplier of electricity

� Available and proven technology

� Economic benefits – jobs & economy

� Each nuclear plant� Adds over $500 million/year to the

economy

� Employs ~ 500 – 1500, with an equivalent number of indirect jobs

� Waste product is controlled, stored, monitored, protected and regulated

Developing

countries are in

dire need of

energy.

The best choice

for a

sustainable,

affordable,

clean, available

form of energy is

nuclearNed xoubi


March 4th 2009

Nuclear Power in the WorldNuclear Power in the WorldNuclear Power in the WorldNuclear Power in the WorldNuclear Power in the WorldNuclear Power in the WorldNuclear Power in the WorldNuclear Power in the WorldNuclear Power in the WorldNuclear Power in the WorldNuclear Power in the WorldNuclear Power in the World

� 436 Power Reactors operating in 30 countries

� 44 Reactors are under construction in 12 countries

� 97 Reactors are planned in 17 countries

� Lower production cost than any other fuel source

� USA 13 Fils per kwh

� France 80% of electricity generation


March 4th 2009

JordanJordanJordanJordanJordanJordanJordanJordanJordanJordanJordanJordan’’’’’’’’’’’’s NP Programs NP Programs NP Programs NP Programs NP Programs NP Programs NP Programs NP Programs NP Programs NP Programs NP Programs NP Program

� To introduce nuclear power as part of its energy mix, on a fast track

� Go for major transformation away from fossil fuel

� First nuclear power plant (NPP) 2016-2020

� Electricity export by 2030

� PPP model, privatized but with Government equity

� International nuclear operator with safe record + investment for the plant.


March 4th 2009

Reactor TechnologiesReactor TechnologiesReactor TechnologiesReactor TechnologiesReactor TechnologiesReactor TechnologiesReactor TechnologiesReactor TechnologiesReactor TechnologiesReactor TechnologiesReactor TechnologiesReactor Technologies

� Proven technology, and operational history

� Commercially available reactors

CANDU- EC6750MWAECL

OPR-10001000 MwKorea

AP-10001000 Mw

Westinghouse

VVER-10001000 Mw

Atomstoryexport

APR-14001400 MwKorea

EPR1600 MwAreva

ABWR1400 Mw

General Electric


March 4th 2009

Fuel BurnupFuel BurnupFuel BurnupFuel BurnupFuel BurnupFuel BurnupFuel BurnupFuel BurnupFuel BurnupFuel BurnupFuel BurnupFuel Burnup

� PWR & BWR the fuel is enriched to about 4%, and the burnup is around 50,000 MWd/MTU

� CANDU, the fuel is natural uranium, and the burnup is around 7500 MWd/MTU

� Assuming a NPP with a 90% availability and 33% steam cycle efficiency

� 1000 MWe for one year = 20 tons Uranium Fuel

� 750 MWe for one year = 100 tons Uranium Fuel

� To make 20 tons of enriched uranium fuel, one has to usually start with 10 times as much, or 200 tons


March 4th 2009

JordanJordanJordanJordanJordanJordanJordanJordanJordanJordanJordanJordan’’’’’’’’’’’’s Nuclear Programs Nuclear Programs Nuclear Programs Nuclear Programs Nuclear Programs Nuclear Programs Nuclear Programs Nuclear Programs Nuclear Programs Nuclear Programs Nuclear Programs Nuclear Program

Nuclear Share in Electricity Generation

Jordan’s Best Case Scenario

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

7000

8000

9000

2020 2023 2025 2026 2028 2030 2035 2037 2040

Electrical Generation

Nuclear

20%

73%

61%

48%

34%

35%

76%

66%

73%


March 4th 2009

NPP Uranium ConsumptionNPP Uranium ConsumptionNPP Uranium ConsumptionNPP Uranium ConsumptionNPP Uranium ConsumptionNPP Uranium ConsumptionNPP Uranium ConsumptionNPP Uranium ConsumptionNPP Uranium ConsumptionNPP Uranium ConsumptionNPP Uranium ConsumptionNPP Uranium Consumption

� The average annual requirement of 1000 MWe plant at 90% availability is

� 130 – 150 tons of uranium for a CANDU

� 160 – 200 tons of uranium for a PWR

� Initial reactor loading is three times as much

� Which means that Jordan would require 700-1000 tons of uranium annually

� 40-60 thousand tons of uranium for the lifetime of these nuclear power plans


March 4th 2009

JordanJordanJordanJordanJordanJordanJordanJordanJordanJordanJordanJordan’’’’’’’’’’’’s Uranium Needss Uranium Needss Uranium Needss Uranium Needss Uranium Needss Uranium Needss Uranium Needss Uranium Needss Uranium Needss Uranium Needss Uranium Needss Uranium Needs

Jordan's Nuclear Program Annual Requirment of Uranium

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

202

0

202

1

202

2

202

3

202

4

202

5

202

6

202

7

202

8

202

9

203

0

203

1

203

2

203

3

203

4

203

5

203

6

203

7

203

8

204

0

205

0

Ura

niu

m (

ton

)


March 4th 2009

Securing Our Fuel Supply Securing Our Fuel Supply Securing Our Fuel Supply Securing Our Fuel Supply Securing Our Fuel Supply Securing Our Fuel Supply Securing Our Fuel Supply Securing Our Fuel Supply Securing Our Fuel Supply Securing Our Fuel Supply Securing Our Fuel Supply Securing Our Fuel Supply

� 40-60 thousand tons of uranium is required for Jordan’s nuclear power plants

� A strategic uranium reserve to secure Jordan's nuclear fuel supply should be planned at this early stage of the nuclear program

� Depending on the reactor technology chosen� LWR: Assurance of fuel services and supplies with fuel

manufacturers including conversion, enrichment and fabrication

� CANDU: Fuel fabrication plant should be built in Jordan

� International initiatives and agreements

� SNF Management strategy


March 4th 2009

Assurance of Fuel Supplies Assurance of Fuel Supplies Assurance of Fuel Supplies Assurance of Fuel Supplies Assurance of Fuel Supplies Assurance of Fuel Supplies Assurance of Fuel Supplies Assurance of Fuel Supplies Assurance of Fuel Supplies Assurance of Fuel Supplies Assurance of Fuel Supplies Assurance of Fuel Supplies

� Part of our contract with AREVA for uranium mining in central Jordan, is to guarantee fuel services including conversion, enrichment, fabrication and recycling

� Such guarantee should also be part of all NPP projects and contracts

� Jordan is a founding member of GNEP

� Jordan support the IAEA Fuel Bank imitative

� Should continue to seek multilateral and bilateral agreements for fuel services and SNF management


March 4th 2009

Fuel Fabrication Fuel Fabrication Fuel Fabrication Fuel Fabrication Fuel Fabrication Fuel Fabrication Fuel Fabrication Fuel Fabrication Fuel Fabrication Fuel Fabrication Fuel Fabrication Fuel Fabrication

� Possible with CANDU technology only

� Fuel is natural uranium, and does not need enrichment (sensitive technology)

� Uranium will be produced and fabricated in Jordan

� Total independence

� Fuel fabrication plant is affordable ($30 M)

� Uranium production and refining could be done locally

� Nuclear Fuel Cycle Commission, JAEC


March 4th 2009

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The Nuclear Fuel CycleThe Nuclear Fuel CycleThe Nuclear Fuel Cycle


March 4th 2009

Thank YouThank YouThank You

Moving Jordan into a New Clear Future

NX

Documents

Uranium Resources in Jordan … Securing Our Fuel Supply for the Next 100 Years