EIA data shows US uranium concentrate production more than tripled in 2025. Producers in the United States made 2.1 million pounds of triuranium octoxide, known as U3O8, the base component of nuclear reactor fuel. That was the highest annual volume since 2017.

Drilling activity rose alongside output. Exploration drilling in 2025 covered 1,824 holes and more than 1.0 million feet, up from 1,324 holes and 0.6 million feet in 2024. Development drilling totaled 3,708 holes and 1.30 million feet, up from 2,462 holes and 1.26 million feet.

Owners and operators of US nuclear plants purchased 46.9 million pounds of U3O8 equivalent in 2025, down from 55.9 million pounds in 2024. The weighted-average price was $58.46 per pound, 11% above the 2024 average of $52.71 per pound. Purchases from foreign countries totaled 43.5 million pounds.

Origin data from the Uranium Marketing Annual Report shows how much fuel supply still comes from abroad. Canada was the top source at 32% of deliveries to US nuclear plants in 2025. Kazakhstan supplied 28% and Australia 15%. US-origin material made up 7% of deliveries.

The EIA explains that yellowcake is produced after uranium ore is mined and milled. It is then processed at conversion and enrichment facilities, made into fuel pellets and assembled into fuel rods for reactors.

EIA published the analysis on August 28, 2026, using its Monthly Energy Review, Domestic Uranium Production Report and Uranium Marketing Annual Report. Some company-level figures are withheld to avoid disclosing individual company data.

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration - https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=68044