Thorium

Of these, only monazite, torit, torianite and allanite are used in thorium production. These minerals are also often found with rare earths (NTE). Globally, monazite is mainly produced for rare earth element content and only a small part of the by-product produced is thorium. Thorium is a nuclear fuel raw material waiting for its turn. The biggest reason for this is the problem of the nuclear fuel cycle. Thorium-232 can be converted to uranium-233 by some processes. Thorium-233 is also a degradable substance such as uranium-235. As a result of this fragmentation, a great energy is released. Due to the fuel cycle problem, although there are no commercial-scale power plants operating with thorium.

Thorium is considered to be the cleanest fuel in nuclear power plants because it produces less plutonium and other trans-uranium elements than uranium, when thorium is used in the fuel cycle. In order to increase the resistance of magnesium at high temperatures, it is used in the coating of tungsten laminates in alloys, electronic devices and lighting, in the construction of high temperature resistant crucibles, in high quality camera lenses and in nuclear technology. Electrodes with 1% thorium added in gas tungsten arc welding are used to increase arc sensitivity. In addition, since thorium has a high melting point, it is also used in gas lamps, camping lamps and projectors in cinemas.

Thorium is more abundant than uranium and produces less radioactive waste. Therefore, China considers this fuel type strategic for long-term energy independence and sustainability. India and China are in the process of developing thorium-based nuclear power plants. Despite being a cutting-edge innovation, it has yet to be fully commercialized. China aims to commission the world's first thorium-fueled molten salt reactor (MSR) by 2029. 

This facility will generate 60 MW of thermal power; 10 MW of this will be used for electricity, and the remainder for hydrogen production. Based on the small modular reactor (SMR) approach, the reactor will offer a compact, safe, and cost-effective structure. In molten salt reactors (MSRs), the fuel is dissolved in molten salt. It does not require water cooling, thus eliminates the risk of hydrogen explosions. It operates at low pressure, which increases safety. In case of an emergency, the molten salts cool and solidify, preventing the leakage of radioactive materials and minimizing the risk of core meltdown. Additionally, while traditional reactors are shut down for refueling, with some exceptions, MSRs can be refueled while operating, ensuring uninterrupted production. In terms of efficiency, molten salt reactors can operate at high temperatures (≈700°C). This provides higher efficiency in electricity generation. China's 2 MW experimental reactor in the Gobi Desert has provided significant data in this regard. In recent years, interest in this technology has increased in China, the US, Europe, and some other regions. Although China has taken the first step, initiatives from different companies will come to the forefront in this field by the 2030s. For example, TerraPower, founded by Bill Gates, is collaborating with Oak Ridge Laboratory on the Natrium project for a thorium-fueled reactor project.

There is 6.36 million tons of thorium in the world. Thorium production is mainly made from monazite sands.

In Türkiye, the studies carried out by the General Directorate of Mineral Research and Exploration in the past years show that, in addition to the 380,141 tons of 0.02% grade thorium reserve in Eskişehir-Sivrihisar, 3.8 million tons of 2.032 ppm grade thorium source was discovered by MTA in Malatya-Kuluncak field in 2020. 694 million tons of 788 ppm ThO₂ source was explored by ETİ MADEN in Eskişehir Beylikova-Sivrihisar. No study has been conducted on the affordability and technological gain for MTA discovery. It is expected that the thorium reserves of Türkiye will increase as more detailed exploration studies are conducted in Malatya-Hekimhan-Kuluncak, Kayseri-Felâhiye, Sivas, Diyarbakır and Burdur-Çanaklı sites, where thorium beds have been identified. Provided that the technological problems are resolved, Türkiye has an important potential for thorium, which is a raw material for nuclear energy.

Thorium prices remained stable for 3 years after approximately a 12% increase in 2016. In 2019, thorium was traded at 72 US$/kg. Even though price information between 2020-2022 and 2024-2025 is not available, 2023 price was 74 ABD $/kg.     

Date of Update: 24 December 2024