The IAEA invites university students to design, build and demonstrate a concept for a sustainable uranium mining operation. Teams of two to four university students are asked to use the Minecraft Education platform, which enables users to simulate and model real-world systems, to develop a technically sound mining system for extracting uranium ore and producing yellowcake - the powdered uranium concentrate used for nuclear fuel fabrication - that meets high standards of safety and operations while incorporating advanced technologies such as robotics and smart sensors.
Participating teams have until 1 July 2026 to submit a video illustrating their concept. The winning team will be invited to present their concept at the International Conference on Fuel Supply Chain for Sustainable Nuclear Power Development to be held from 13 to 15 October 2026 in Vienna, Austria.
"With this challenge, we hope to inspire more students to pursue careers in the uranium exploration and mining industry," said Adrienne Hanly, the IAEA's Technical Lead for Uranium Resources and Production. "We look forward to seeing the results of their creativity and innovation."
The Future of Uranium Mining
According to the latest edition of Uranium Resources, Production and Demand , sufficient uranium resources exist to meet growing global demand as projections for nuclear power deployment continue to increase . Keeping pace with this demand will require timely investments in new exploration, mining operations and processing techniques. Optimizing operational efficiency while maintaining environmental protection standards is key for long term sustainability.
Modern uranium mining adheres to high standards of environmental stewardship, operational safety and long-term sustainability. Mine operators use automated systems, remotely operated machinery and advanced digital technologies to improve precision, reduce human exposure to hazardous conditions and optimize ore extraction and processing efficiency. Such innovations not only enhance safety and productivity but also support responsible mining practices that help build public trust and minimize environmental impacts.
How to Apply
To enter the competition, teams must submit:
- an official entry form
- a university enrolment confirmation letter
- a 5 to 7 minute video file (preferably .mp4, max 1GB) demonstrating how the mining operation works
- a sustainability commitment statement summarizing the team's approach
The video should clearly show how the mine operates, from ore extraction to yellowcake production; which innovative technologies are used and why; and how the design reduces environmental impacts through smart planning.
