Does Greece Have Uranium-238?

Greece does contain uranium-238, but only in small quantities and with low concentrations, making its extraction economically unfeasible.

Uranium Deposits in Greece

Uranium deposits have been identified in several regions, including Western Macedonia (Ptolemaida, Kozani, and Florina), where it is found within lignite formations. There are also indications of uranium presence in sedimentary formations in Thrace and on the islands of the Eastern Aegean. However, due to the low uranium concentration in these deposits, they are not considered commercially viable for extraction.

Uranium-238 and Its Potential Use

On its own, uranium-238 is not fissile, meaning it cannot be directly used in nuclear reactors. However, it can be converted into plutonium-239, a fissile material that plays a critical role in nuclear reactors and weapons.

Why Greece Hasn’t Pursued Uranium Mining

There have been no systematic efforts to mine uranium in Greece. The country does not have a nuclear energy program, and given the low concentrations of uranium in its deposits, large-scale extraction would not be economically sustainable.