A relevância do estoque estratégico de urânio para o Programa Nuclear Brasileiro

Abstract

This work discusses the relevance of the strategic uranium stock for the Brazilian Nuclear Program (PNB). The methodology used was qualitative in nature, involving bibliographical research, documentary, research exploratory and analysis of historical data. The PNB plays a crucial role in technological development in Brazil, with contributions from various sectors, such as research, execution, the Navy, technology institutes, universities and medicine. The federal public Company Indústrias Nucleares do Brasil S. A. (INB), is responsible for activities related to uranium mineral research, mining, manufacturing and supply of nuclear fuel for nuclear power plants in Angra dos Reis, RJ aimed at generating energy. The country has significant uranium mineral resources, with potential for the discovery and exploration of new deposits. It highlights the strategic importance of the uranium stock for the Brazilian Nuclear Program, considering factors such as energy generation, technological development and national security, considering the complexity of the sector's supply chain. The study points to the need to establish and maintain strategic stocks of raw uranium and uranium diuranate (DUA), given the added value of this material within the fuel element manufacturing cycle, ease of storage, and physical and radiological control, among others. Thus considering it as one of the crucial points for Brazil to meet the supply needs of all nuclear activities in the country, whether in energy production, in Brazilian Submarine Development Program (PROSUB), industry, agriculture, medicine, and scientific research, among others. The conclusion indicates positive and viable actions to be planned in this sense, such as the exploration of new deposits, expansion of DUA production capacity, and nationalization of the entire cycle, whose analysis methodology and implementation proposals could contribute to the establishment of a strategic stock of DUA. It also points to the need for commitment from all actors involved in the PNB and development banks in order to guarantee the country's energy security.