Philippine researchers identify potential uranium source in Camarines Norte

Researchers in the Philippines have identified a potential uranium source in the Larap-Paracale mining district in Camarines Norte, as the country explores nuclear power and a broader critical-minerals industry. The Philippine Nuclear Research Institute, the University of the Philippines Diliman and Akita University in Japan found that surface samples from the area contained uraninite, the main uranium-bearing mineral. The material could potentially be processed into uranium concentrate, commonly called yellowcake.

The samples came from the Bessemer area, a newly identified zone of uranium mineralisation within a district that has been explored since the 1950s. About 180kg of material was collected and tested in a laboratory. The researchers stressed that further work was needed to determine the deposits’ economic significance.

This would include detailed geological, radiometric and geophysical surveys, followed by systematic drilling and analysis of drill cores. The Philippine Energy Plan targets at least 1,200 megawatts of nuclear capacity by 2032. PNRI said the finding could become important if exploration confirms sufficient size and viability, but scientists cautioned that the country remained far from having a commercial nuclear-fuel industry.

The study’s lead researcher, Djoan Kate Tungpalan, said a domestic source could strengthen long-term energy security and reduce exposure to international supply-chain fluctuations. She also said the Philippines should initially import fuel from established suppliers while developing selected local capabilities. PNRI scientist Angel Bautista VII said the country was rebuilding nuclear-fuel-cycle capabilities after earlier work slowed following the mothballing of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant programme in 1986.

Researchers said the discovery did not mean the deposit would supply the country’s first nuclear plant, but could support longer-term planning if viability is proven.