11 million pounds of uranium may have been shipped to China unofficially, study finds

A new study estimates that 2,000-5,000 metric tons of uranium were unintentionally extracted with cobalt in the Democratic Republic of Congo from 2000 to 2024.

Researchers say the undeclared uranium was exported without IAEA reporting, with most shipments likely going to China.

Another 1,000-4,000 metric tons may still be trapped in mine waste, highlighting a potentially large hidden flow in the cobalt supply chain.

The findings raise concerns about nuclear safeguards, nonproliferation, and public health.