Australia
Australia possesses the world's largest uranium reserves. Their volume is estimated at approximately 1.67 million tons. This accounts for roughly 28 per cent of the total global uranium reserves currently in existence. These reserves are located in regions such as Olympic Dam, Ranger, and Beverley. However, despite holding the largest uranium reserves, Australia does not operate a nuclear energy programme of its own.
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan holds the world's second-largest uranium reserves. It is also the country with the largest uranium reserves in Asia. For over a decade, Kazakhstan has been the world's leading producer of uranium. Kazakhstan possesses 813,900 tons of uranium, representing 14 percent of the global uranium reserves.\
Canada
Canada holds the world's third-largest uranium reserves. The volume of uranium held by Canada is estimated at 582,000 tons. Its uranium reserves are concentrated within the Athabasca Basin, located in Saskatchewan. Some of the world's highest-quality uranium ores are found in this region, making Canadian uranium extremely valuable. Canada is also a major supplier to nuclear energy utilities across Europe and Asia.
Namibia
Namibia possesses the world's fourth-largest uranium reserves. It is also home to the largest uranium reserves in Africa. Namibia is estimated to hold 497,900 tonnes of uranium. This accounts for approximately 8 percent of global uranium reserves. In Namibia, uranium is found primarily in the Namib Desert. The mining of uranium contributes significantly to Namibia's GDP.
Russia
Russia holds the world's fifth-largest uranium reserves. According to statistics, Russia possesses 476,600 tonnes of uranium. Despite this, Russia is not the largest producer of uranium globally. However, Russia produces uranium domestically to support its own nuclear energy industry and government-led nuclear export projects. Furthermore, Russia also controls reserves located abroad through joint ventures.
Niger
Niger holds the world's sixth-largest uranium reserves. According to statistics, Niger possesses approximately 336,000 tonnes of uranium. This also contributes significantly to Niger's economy. For a long time, Niger has also served as a primary uranium supplier for French power plants. However, following a military coup in Niger in 2025, French companies have been expelled from the uranium mines.
South Africa
South Africa holds the world's seventh-largest uranium reserves. The quantity of uranium held by the country is estimated at 320,900 tonnes. In South Africa, uranium is primarily obtained as a by-product during gold mining operations in the Witwatersrand Basin. For this reason, despite possessing large uranium reserves, South Africa is not a major producing nation.
China
China holds the world's eighth-largest uranium reserves. The total quantity of uranium reserves held by China is estimated at 270,500 tonnes. These reserves meet the requirements of China's domestic nuclear energy industry. However, to satisfy the rapidly growing demand for uranium within the country, China also imports it from abroad. China also operates uranium mines in several other countries.
Brazil
Brazil possesses the world's ninth-largest uranium reserves. The quantity of uranium held by Brazil stands at 167,800 tonnes. In Brazil, uranium is primarily produced at the Caetit mine in Bahia. Despite possessing large uranium reserves, Brazil produces a relatively small amount due to challenges related to regulations and infrastructure.
Mongolia
Mongolia holds the world's tenth-largest uranium reserves. Mongolia is estimated to possess uranium reserves totalling 144,600 tonnes. However, Mongolia has not yet fully explored the total extent of the uranium reserves present within its territory. Consequently, Mongolia produces uranium in limited quantities.
As of 2026, Australia holds the world's largest reserves of Uranium by a significant margin.
Here are the top 10 countries with the largest uranium reserves (estimated in tonnes):
Top 10 Uranium Reserves by Country (2026)
| Rank | Country | Estimated Reserves (Tonnes) | Key Features |
| 1 | Australia | 1,680,000 – 1,950,000 | Home to the massive Olympic Dam mine. |
| 2 | Kazakhstan | 813,900 – 874,000 | World’s top producer; uses low-cost ISR mining. |
| 3 | Canada | 582,000 – 865,000 | Highest-grade ore found in the Athabasca Basin. |
| 4 | Russia | 480,000 – 500,000+ | Significant untapped long-term potential. |
| 5 | Namibia | 470,000 – 500,000+ | Africa's top holder; home to the Husab mine. |
| 6 | South Africa | 320,000 – 400,000 | Significant by-product reserves from gold mining. |
| 7 | Niger | 310,000 – 330,000 | Crucial supplier for European nuclear energy. |
| 8 | Brazil | 155,000 – 270,000 | Large unexplored areas with high potential. |
| 9 | China | 145,000 – 270,000 | Rapidly expanding domestic exploration. |
| 10 | Mongolia | 140,000 – 145,000 | High potential for new sandstone-hosted deposits. |
Key Takeaways
The "King" of Reserves: Australia stays at the top because of the sheer volume of its deposits, particularly the Olympic Dam in South Australia, which is the single largest uranium deposit in the world.
Production vs. Reserves: It’s a common mix-up: Kazakhstan produces the most uranium every year, but Australia has the most still sitting in the ground.
India's Position: India has limited uranium reserves (estimated around 150,000 – 200,000 tonnes), which is why it has focused heavily on its Three-Stage Nuclear Power Programme to eventually use its massive Thorium reserves (over 800,000 tonnes) instead.
Just this month (April 2026), India reached a major milestone with the PFBR at Kalpakkam achieving criticality, a key step in this transition.
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