International Conference on Fuel Supply Chain for Sustainable Nuclear Power Development - Uranium Mine Challenge

This global challenge invites university-level students in earth sciences, geological or mining engineering or closely related fields to work in teams of two to four, to design, build, and demonstrate a smart and sustainable uranium mining operation inside the Minecraft Education platform.

The primary objective is for students to develop a realistic and technically sound mining system capable of safely and efficiently producing uranium ore concentrate, the essential feedstock used to manufacture nuclear fuel for low-carbon electricity generation worldwide. 

To succeed, students must integrate modern mining concepts, environmental stewardship, and a robust safety culture. Their virtual mine should reflect best practices and embody high technical and operational standards expected of future uranium extraction facilities.

For the first-place team, the IAEA will provide travel expenses to attend the International Conference on Fuel Supply Chain for Sustainable Nuclear Power Development at IAEA Headquarters in Vienna, Austria, from 13 to 15 October 2026.

The following pillars should guide the design decisions:

• Use of innovative mining technologies
• Efficient and safe extraction of uranium ore
• Protection of the environment
• Worker health and safety, including radiation protection

Students must think holistically, understanding not only how to mine, but how to mine responsibly and efficiently, with long-term environmental wellbeing at the centre. Participating teams are referred to the Background Information Document (BID) for further information. 

The Competition is open to university level students in earth sciences, geological or mining engineering or closely related fields from any educational institutions. 

Students must form a team, that consists of a minimum of two (2) students and maximum of four (4) students. Students may collaborate with peers from their own educational institution or partner with individuals from different educational institutions. A student may only be a member of one (1) team. 

The Organizer reserves the right to verify eligibility and to adjudicate on any dispute at any time.

To enter the competition, teams are required to register a valid email address on the website (www.UmineChallenge.com). In addition, teams must provide the following:

• Team name
• Team member details
• Associated university as well as an enrolment confirmation letter from the university

Registrations open on 31 March 2026 and additional instructions and information on how to submit entries will be provided on the website. 

1. The game recording video file should contain no personal information or identifying content (e.g., people’s faces, name, age, personal location) as part of the video, sharing only the team’s name and country.
    
2. The file should describe the uranium mining operation and highlight innovative and sustainable features and what the Team has learnt from their engagement in the endeavour; either within the video as a voice-over, on-screen text or attached as a supplementary text file.
    
3. Video submission, build descriptions and supporting materials need to be made in the English language. All communications between Organizer and participants will be in English.
    
4. The submission should demonstrate a concise knowledge and understanding of uranium mining and technologies applied. The information should be presented accurately, with some innovative or creative solutions explored.
    
5. A 5-7 minute video file (preferably .mp4, not exceeding 1GB), which should highlight the mining operation as well as its innovative and sustainable features. Submission deadline is 1 July 2026 at 24:00 CET. 

The video submissions will be evaluated by a judging panel composed of experts from the IAEA alongside international mining specialists. Submissions will be assessed against key criteria, including technical accuracy, innovation in technology, environmental sustainability, safety considerations, as well as the clarity of communication. Five finalists will be announced on 31 July 2026. The video submissions of the finalists will be made available on the website for public voting until 28 August 2026. The overall winning team will be revealed on 31 August 2026.

1. As a condition of participating in the Competition and by submitting a Submission, a Participant warrants to the Organizer that the Submission: 
    
   • Does not include any unsuitable or offensive content, including nudity, sexually explicit, disparaging, libelous or other inappropriate content.
   • Does not include any content that is in violation of or infringes third party intellectual property rights including plagiarism, infringement, unauthorized music and sound effects, etc.
   • Is suitable for a general audience and does not contain any unsubstantiated, false and/or misleading claims.
      
2. By registering and uploading content, the participants agree to release and hold harmless the Organizer from any and all liability(ies) or any injury, loss, or damage of any kind arising in connection with this Competition, or any prize won.
    
3. By registering and uploading content, each participant affirms that their content does not violate any rights of third parties and that all required permissions and licenses have been secured from third parties for the utilization of any materials. The Organizer is not liable for any disputes that may arise among individuals asserting copyright claims over the content.
    
4. Participants acknowledge that other participants may have used ideas and/or concepts in their submission that may be similar in idea or concept to what is included in the Submission. Participants understand and agree that they shall not have any claim against any other participants, or the Organizer arising out of any such similarity or be entitled to any compensation because of any such similarity.
    
5. By registering and uploading content, each participant grants the right to review, assess, and otherwise analyse the entry and all its content in connection with this Competition. Further, the participant grants the IAEA an irrevocable, royalty-free, worldwide right and license to use, including, but not limited to the right to publish, transmit, sell, distribute, modify, create derivative works and otherwise use the game recording throughout the world, in all languages and in all media of expression now known or later developed, for any non-commercial, educational and promotional purpose, without further permission from the participant and to licence or permit others to do so; and the participant certifies that no other rights have been granted which could conflict with the right hereby given to the IAEA. Participants will not receive any compensation or credit for use of their entry, other than what is described in these Terms and Conditions and agree to sign any necessary documentation that may be required for the IAEA and its designees to make use of the rights granted above.
    
6. By registering and uploading content, participants acknowledge that providing personal information (such as name, surname, email, phone, address, organization, school name, and country) implies their consent to the processing of their personal data as outlined in the description above and in accordance with the IAEA’s Personal Data Privacy Policy available here.
    
7. Nothing in these terms and conditions shall be construed as a waiver, either express or implied, of any of the privileges and immunities accorded to the IAEA by its Member States.