Uranium bubble of 2007

The uranium bubble of 2007 was a period of nearly exponential growth in the price of natural uranium, starting in 2005^[2] and peaking at roughly $300/kg (or ~$135/lb) in mid-2007.^{[citation needed]} This coincided with significant rises of stock price of uranium mining and exploration companies.^[3] After mid-2007, the price began to fall again and at the end of 2010, was relatively stable at around $100/kg.^[4]

Monthly uranium spot price in USD per pound from 1980 to 2011. The 2007 price peak is clearly visible.^[1]

Causes

The upward trend for the prices of uranium was already apparent since 2003. This prompted increases in mining activity. A possible direct cause for the bubble is the flooding of the Cigar Lake Mine, Saskatchewan, which has the largest undeveloped high-grade uranium ore deposits in the world. This created uncertainty about short-term future of the uranium supply.^[3] Other factors are speculation triggered by growing expectations around India and China's nuclear programs, and a reduction in available weapons-grade uranium.^[5] The bubble coincided with renewed discussions regarding a renaissance of nuclear power.

Impact

The impact of the bubble on nuclear power generation was small, as most power plants have long-term uranium delivery contracts,^[6] and the price of natural uranium makes up only a small fraction of their operating cost. However, the sharp fall in prices after mid-2007 caused a lot of new companies focused on exploration and mining to lose their viability and go out of business.^[3] Due to increased prospecting, known and inferred reserves of uranium have increased by 15% between 2005 and 2007.^[7]

See also

• 2000s commodities boom
• Uranium Participation Corporation