There are various forms of energy, and most of them make our lives easier. However, some energies are difficult to control and can even be deadly, raising questions about whether it is beneficial to pursue them or better to avoid them. One such energy source is uranium, a mineral that has been a topic of controversy worldwide, including in Mexico, where it has been a wasted opportunity since the 1970s.
In recent decades, uranium has been one of the most debated energy sources globally. Despite having significant reserves of this mineral, Mexico’s potential in this area has not been fully utilized, especially after the government dismantled the nuclear industry in the 1980s. The country has reservations of uranium, primarily located in states such as Sonora, Chihuahua, and Durango, with estimated reserves of 160 thousand tons of U3O8 (uranium oxide).
The history of uranium in Mexico began in 1972, with the government initiating projects to investigate and exploit the resource. By 1983, the country had already identified significant reserves. However, when President Miguel de la Madrid signed a law closing all nuclear projects in the 1980s, the Mexican Uranium company was dissolved, and the government shifted its focus to other energy sources like hydroelectric and geothermal power.
Today, with the growing interest in clean energy and increasing demand for electricity, uranium has become an option for producing energy again. Countries like India, which generates 15% of its electricity from nuclear energy, have demonstrated that uranium can be a clean and less polluting energy source when handled responsibly. In Mexico, the remaining uranium reserves could potentially supply the demand for electricity if done in a responsible manner. Nevertheless, the debate about the possible risks of nuclear energy, such as radioactive waste and the fear of nuclear disasters, continues.
As the world faces pressure to reduce fossil fuel use and mitigate climate change, Mexico may have a hidden treasure that could help diversify its energy matrix and reduce CO2 emissions. The Laguna Verde nuclear plant, which has been operating since the 1990s, is an example of how uranium can be utilized to generate electricity. For Mexico to capitalize on its uranium potential, it is essential to reconsider its focus on nuclear energy and strike a balance between safety, sustainability, and the utilization of natural resources.
If Mexico decides to exploit its uranium reserves, it could position itself as a leader in the sector. Uranium, which was once set aside, may now be the solution to many problems, provided that it is managed with common sense and a responsible approach.