It’s important to understand the differences between uranium and thorium when considering developments in nuclear energy. Here are a few key ways they differ: Cost and efficiency One reason thorium is an interesting alternative to uranium is that it is cheaper and more abundant. Thorium is also used more efficiently in the reaction process — thorium inputs are almost completely used up during a nuclear reaction, meaning spent fuel or radioactive waste is reduced to a minimum. That is especially important considering the longevity of radioactive nuclear waste in the environment. Weapons and safety In 1939, the Manhattan Project showed the potential devastation atomic energy can produce when enriched uranium is used in weapons production, and that has remained top of mind since then. There is also concern that the isotope-dense heavy water used to cool fuel rods could seep out into the surrounding areas. More recently, the dangers posed by uranium fuel rods, radioactive waste and reactor decay — widely publicized in the wake of the Fukushima disaster in 2011 — are a key reason why experts are giving thorium reactors serious consideration. As thorium is not fissile on its own, reactions could be stopped in case of emergency. Thorium is considered a strong choice for non-proliferation when it comes to nuclear weapons, but it is also important to note that there have been occasions in history where nuclear weapons based on thorium have been detonated. While that is a risk, the nature of these weapons makes them easy to detect. As a result, the use of thorium reactors could allow countries like Iran and North Korea to benefit from nuclear power while minimizing concerns that they are secretly developing nuclear weapons. Thorium can also be used in breeder reactors to generate more fissile material, including uranium-238. These nuclear reactors are unique because they produce more fissionable material than they consume, making them very efficient. Thorium and uranium have an interesting relationship in that they are both complements and competitors to each other. Put very simply, thorium can be used together with conventional uranium-based nuclear power generation, meaning a thriving thorium industry would not necessarily make uranium obsolete. Thorium exploration Thorium is present in small quantities in soils and rocks everywhere, and it’s estimated to be about four times more plentiful than uranium. India holds the largest natural thorium reserves in the world, though reserves are also significant in Brazil, Australia, the US and China. Getting more specific, the metal can be found in epigenetic vein deposits, low-grade deposits and black sand placer deposits. Though it is abundant, few companies are currently exploring for thorium. Since 2014, exploration and development of rare earths projects associated with thorium have commenced in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Greenland, India, Russia, South Africa, the US and Vietnam. Skyharbour Resources (TSXV:SYH,OTCQB:SYHBF) is one company currently exploring for thorium. Its South Falcon Point uranium and thorium project is located in the Athabasca Basin in Saskatchewan.