[1] Its role was to ensure adequate supplies of uranium for the respective countries weapons development programs.
The agency initiated a range of incentives to several countries to encourage exploration and a fast buildup of mineral reserves.
The main countries targeted for the programs were the US, Canada, South Africa, and to a limited extent Australia.
[2] In Australia, uranium ore from a number of mines was processed at the purpose built Port Pirie Uranium Treatment Complex which operated under contract to the CDA by the Government of South Australia between 1955 and 1962.
This meant that finding the locations was only half the battle and funneled money into the purchase of the varies mineral rights.