US uranium concentrate production more than tripled in 2025 to 2.1 million pounds, reaching its highest level since 2017, the US Energy Information Administration said Friday.
U.S. producers more than tripled their output of triuranium octoxide, chemically known as U3O8, or yellowcake, in 2025, reaching the highest annual level since 2017.
U3O8 is produced by milling uranium ore and is an early stage in nuclear fuel production. Conversion and enrichment facilities then process the material for use in reactors.
Exploration drilling increased to 1,824 holes covering over 1 million feet in 2025, compared with 1,324 holes and 600,000 feet a year earlier, EIA said.
Development drilling also expanded, reaching 3,708 holes and 1.30 million feet in 2025, up from 2,462 holes and 1.26 million feet in 2024, according to the agency.
US nuclear plant operators bought 46.9 million pounds of U3O8 equivalent in 2025, down from 55.9 million pounds in 2024, according to EIA.
The weighted-average purchase price rose to $58.46 per pound from $52.71 per pound, an 11% increase over the year despite lower purchase volumes, the agency said.
Foreign suppliers accounted for most deliveries to US nuclear plants, with Canada providing 32%, Kazakhstan 28%, and Australia 15%, while US-origin uranium accounted for 7% of total deliveries in 2025.