Saudi Arabia lays groundwork for a domestic nuclear fuel chain

Saudi Arabia says nuclear power will be part of its future energy mix, and it is now pairing that goal with plans to develop its own uranium resources. The work would span more than mining: the country outlined further exploration and eventual production of yellowcake, a concentrated uranium material that is an early step in making reactor fuel but cannot be used directly in a power plant. The strategy is meant to build an integrated domestic supply chain rather than rely entirely on imported uranium as any nuclear program develops. The International Atomic Energy Agency said it was ready to support the effort, underscoring that a civilian nuclear program needs technical expertise and international oversight as well as mines and processing facilities.