Thorium: The “Waste” Metal That Could Power the Future

Christian Poole
May 26
2 min read

China may have found a powerful way to fight climate change and energy problems using a little-known metal called thorium. This metal is often tossed aside as mining waste, but it could be the key to safe, clean, and long-lasting nuclear energy.

For a more in-depth look at how Thorium could power the future, check out the article by Lark Scientific’s researcher By Denis Koshelev HERE.

What Is Thorium?

Thorium is a radioactive metal found in the earth.
It’s more common than uranium, which is what is currently used in most nuclear power plants.
Most countries have ignored it for years, but not China.

China’s Big Discovery

In 2020, China found huge thorium deposits in rare earth mining waste.
These deposits could power the country for up to 60,000 years, according to Chinese government reports.
The biggest site is at Bayan Obo in Inner Mongolia, where rare earth elements are mined.

Why Thorium Is Special

Thorium can be used in molten salt reactors (MSRs) which is a new kind of nuclear technology.

Key Benefits of MSRs:

No meltdowns – MSRs are much safer than old-style nuclear reactors that use uranium.
Less nuclear waste – MSRs are cleaner and easier to manage, even in emergencies.
Efficient energy – MSRs run at higher temperatures so they have better power output levels.
No high pressure – MSRs are safer and cheaper to build.

China Leads the Way

China built the world’s first commercial thorium molten salt reactor in the Gobi Desert.
Plans are in place to generate 10 megawatts of electricity by 2029.
China is also investing in other tech to support thorium reactors.

What Are the Downsides?

While thorium sounds great, there are some problems:

Dirty Extraction Process

Getting thorium from mining waste uses a lot of acid and energy.
It creates toxic wastewater, which can harm the environment.

Not Ready on Its Own

Thorium can’t start a nuclear reaction by itself.
It needs help from fissile materials like uranium-235 or plutonium.
This raises security and supply concerns.

What About Canada?

Canada also has large thorium reserves and a strong nuclear sector.
But laws and policies (like mining bans in B.C.) are holding things back.
Some Canadian companies are ready to start, but they’re stuck in the testing phase.

A Big Opportunity

Thorium isn’t perfect, but it could be part of the solution to clean energy.

If used safely and wisely, it could:

Cut down on carbon emissions
Replace dirty coal plants
Provide long-term, stable energy

Thorium may be the energy source of the future, hiding in the waste of the past. China is moving fast. Will Canada and the rest of the world catch up?

We can’t ignore this powerful metal just because it’s been overlooked so far. The energy race is changing, and thorium might just be the secret weapon.