UCIL Marks Six Decades of Uranium Mining and Processing with Diamond Jubilee Celebrations
By Suman Munshi | IBG NEWS
Jaduguda, October 5, 2026: The Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL), a Public Sector Enterprise under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), has entered its Diamond Jubilee Year, commemorating six decades of operations since its establishment on October 4, 1967. The milestone highlights the organisation’s longstanding role in developing India’s indigenous uranium mining and processing capabilities and supporting the country’s nuclear power programme.
The anniversary celebrations were held at Jaduguda on October 4, bringing together senior officials, scientists, engineers, technical experts, employees, media representatives and other stakeholders.
Seema Jain attends celebrations at Jaduguda
Ms. Seema Jain, Member-Finance, Atomic Energy Commission, attended the programme as the Chief Guest. During her visit, she toured UCIL’s Technology Demonstration Pilot Plant (TDPP) at C, R&D, Jaduguda. She also visited the proposed site of the Dark Matter Laboratory of the Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics at the 815-metre level of the Jaduguda underground mine.
Speaking at the event, Jain highlighted UCIL’s six decades of scientific expertise, institutional experience and national service. She also paid tribute to Dr Homi Jehangir Bhabha and the pioneers of India’s nuclear programme, while acknowledging the generations of UCIL employees who have worked in challenging underground and industrial environments.
She said the anniversary was also an opportunity to recognise the technologies, systems and people that have sustained India’s uranium mining and processing capabilities as the country prepares for a larger role for nuclear energy.
Dr Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy and Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission, also conveyed his greetings and emphasised the importance of continued innovation and capability development as India progresses with its Nuclear Energy Mission.
Journalists get first-hand exposure to UCIL operations
One of the notable features of the Diamond Jubilee programme was a Journalists’ Workshop organised at the Information Centre in Narwapahar.
The workshop enabled participating media professionals to interact with scientists, engineers and technical experts associated with the nuclear and radiation technology ecosystem. Journalists were also taken through UCIL’s uranium mining and milling facilities, providing them with first-hand exposure to mining activities, ore handling, processing systems and operational technologies.
A DAE Technology Exhibition was organised alongside the programme, particularly providing school students an opportunity to learn about industrial and societal applications emerging from the Department of Atomic Energy’s units and institutions.
UCIL highlights technology, safety and environmental management
Dr Kacham Anand Rao, Chairman & Managing Director, UCIL, described the Diamond Jubilee as a significant milestone for the organisation and its employees.
He highlighted UCIL’s development over six decades in uranium mining and processing, while stressing the company’s continuing focus on technology, safety and environmental management.
According to UCIL, the anniversary programme was also intended to provide greater public and media understanding of the scientific and technological work supporting its operations.
Six decades of indigenous capability
Since its establishment in 1967, UCIL has played an important role in developing India’s domestic capabilities in uranium mining and processing. Its operational experience encompasses areas including underground and opencast mining, ore processing, technology development, occupational safety, radiation protection and environmental management.
The Diamond Jubilee celebrations therefore mark not only UCIL’s institutional history but also the evolution of a specialised national capability supporting India’s nuclear energy ambitions.
As India looks to expand the role of nuclear energy, UCIL’s six-decade journey places renewed emphasis on technological development, operational capability and responsible management of uranium resources.
Six decades completed. A continuing focus on technology and capability. UCIL now looks ahead to the next phase of India’s nuclear energy journey.
By Suman Munshi | IBG NEWS
