Regulatory Issues - Other Countries
(last updated 7 Nov 2008)
This page provides information on recently published rules or
rules under development, covering the operation and
decommissioning of uranium mines and mills and the management of
uranium mine wastes and mill tailings.
Contents:
> see also:
New Brunswick government amends rules for uranium mining and exploration
The New Brunswick government is imposing new rules to help quell public fretting over the sudden burst of uranium exploration in the province, but critics say the measures don't go far enough and the Opposition is pushing for a full moratorium.
On July 4, 2008, Natural Resources Minister Donald Arsenault announced that uranium exploration and mining are no longer permitted in designated watersheds, in municipalities or within 300 metres of residential or institutional buildings.
The minister said all mining claims activity on private land will be suspended for several months until the changes are implemented and the province will also introduce an online map-staking system.
Arsenault said the regulations are retroactive, which means any previous claims within the newly restricted areas are now void.
(Times & Transcript Jul 4, 2008)
The new rules became official on Nov. 1, 2008. (Times & Transcript Nov. 7, 2008)
CNSC invites comment on draft Process Improvement Initiatives for Screening Environmental Assessments at the CNSC
Comment period ends on July 18, 2008.
> View Invitation to comment on draft Process Improvement Initiatives for Screening Environmental Assessments at the CNSC 
> Download draft Process Improvement Initiatives for Screening Environmental Assessments at the CNSC (PDF)
CNSC invites comment on Draft Regulatory Document RD-150, Designing and Implementing a Radiobioassay Program
Comment period ends on August 4, 2008.
> View CNSC release June 20, 2008
> View Draft Regulatory Document RD-150: Designing and Implementing a Radiobioassay Program
The New Brunswick government has developed new guidelines for mining companies exploring for uranium in the province.
Natural Resources Minister Donald Arseneault confirmed on May 21, 2008, that the new guidelines are in now in place and have been submitted to a number of companies exploring for uranium.
But government is being criticized for not doing enough to protect the environment and health of residents. As well, critics wonder why the government would introduce guidelines, that aren't mandatory, rather than regulations.
"I think the first point here is that these guidelines are pretty much standard conditions that are applied to all sorts of development projects. There's not much new that's been provided here," said Tim Van Hinte of the Petitcodiac Riverkeeper .
(Times & Transcript May 22, 2008)
British Columbia shut the door on exploring for radioactive minerals on April 24, 2008, saying companies cannot claim rights to them even if the discovery is by accident.
The western Canadian province does not have uranium mines, but several companies have been doing exploration work and the mineral can be found when looking for other resources.
British Columbia said has revised its mining rules to prohibit companies from staking claims for uranium and thorium even when it is discovered as part of a broader project.
(Reuters Apr. 24, 2008)
> View news release April 24, 2008 (BC Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources)
Nunatsiavut Government imposes 3-year moratorium on uranium mining on Labrador Inuit Lands
On April 8, 2008, the Nunatsiavut Government voted to place a moratorium on the working, production, mining and development of uranium on Labrador Inuit Lands. The amendment to the Labrador Inuit Lands Act, which takes effect immediately, also requires the issue to be revisited after March 31, 2011.
Inuit are concerned about the negative environmental and public health effects
associated with uranium mining, Lands and Resources Minister William
Barbour said, adding that a moratorium will give the Nunatsiavut Government more time to make informed decisions on the mining and milling of uranium within Labrador Inuit Lands.
"During the next three years we will place focus on establishing a lands administration system, developing an Environmental Assessment Act and environmental protection legislation. We will also develop a Land Use Plan for the Labrador Inuit Settlement Area," the Minister said.
The moratorium does not apply to the exploration of uranium, the Minister
noted, adding that the Nunatsiavut Government is willing and committed to
working with mining companies while the moratorium is in place.
(The Labradorian Apr. 8, 2008)
> Download Nunatsiavut Government news release Apr. 8, 2008 (PDF)
Nova Scotia has had a moratorium on uranium exploration and mining since 1982. If a company finds uranium in concentrations greater than 100 parts per million, it must report those results and stop digging. (The Daily News Jan. 3, 2008)
Nova Scotia considers lifting of moratorium on uranium exploration and mining
Premier Rodney MacDonald has asked the Natural Resources Department to take a look at whether it's time to lift a ban on uranium exploration that dates back to the early 1980s.
(The Chronicle Herald Jan. 18, 2008)
Nova Scotia Natural Resources Minister David Morse said his government is looking to scrap its ban, pending public approval during consultations scheduled over the next three months.
(Telegraph-Journal May 22, 2008)
Nova Scotia native leader calls for permanent ban on uranium mining
A Nova Scotia native leader is calling on the provincial government to impose a permanent ban on uranium mining.
Chief Grace Conrad of the Native Council of Nova Scotia says she is concerned for the health of her people.
She says aboriginal people are not interested in seeing the land and the water contaminated given the hazards the industry presents.
Conrad is worried by the provincial government may lift a moratorium in light of soaring uranium prices.
(CP Dec. 13, 2007)
As the debate surrounding uranium mining in Nova Scotia resurfaces, so has the Mi'kmaq community's opposition to opening what they say is a "Pandora's box."
Roger Hunka, facilitator for the Mi'kma'ki Environments Resource Developments Secretariat , said the provincial moratorium on uranium mining was put in place for a reason.
"It proved to be a health hazard, and a serious issue that Canada hasn't even gotten a solution to, is the storing of spent fuels," he said.
(The Daily News Jan. 4, 2008)
Saskatchewan wants climate credit for uranium exports
Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall said the provincial government estimates over half-a-billion tonnes of greenhouse-gas emissions are displaced by uranium from Saskatchewan. He said the province should receive recognition for that within any forthcoming national protocols on credits and carbon trading.
(Saskatoon Star Phoenix Jan. 8, 2008)
On Nov. 3, 2005, Canada's Nuclear Waste Management Organization released its final study on "The Future Management of Canada's Used Nuclear Fuel". Concerning site selection for a spent fuel repository, the study contains the following statement:
"We believe that the objective of fairness
would best be achieved if the site selection
process were focused within the provinces
that are directly involved in the nuclear
fuel cycle.
Accordingly, in specifying economic regions for
centralized facilities for initial consideration, we
have proposed that the process of implementation
be in the provinces that have benefited
from activity associated with the nuclear fuel
cycle.
This includes the three provinces that
generate electricity from nuclear power and
consequently create used nuclear fuel as a
by-product (Ontario, New Brunswick and
Québec), as well as Saskatchewan, which
has benefited economically from mining the
uranium that is used to make nuclear fuel.
We believe that these provinces have a greater
responsibility than do other provinces and territories
to manage the waste stream arising from
the nuclear process." (p. 146)
> Download full study: Choosing a Way Forward - The Future Management of Canada's Used Nuclear Fuel, November 2005
China hoping for Canada to lift restrictions on uranium exports
Natural Resources Minister Gary Lunn, wrapping up a three-day visit to Beijing, disclosed on Nov. 15, 2006, that he has agreed to include uranium on the agenda of a working group of Chinese and Canadian officials who will discuss energy co-operation between the two countries.
Chinese officials are fully aware that Canada has restrictions on the export of uranium to countries such as China, and they raised the question of those restrictions in their meetings with Mr. Lunn this week - clearly hoping that Canada might be willing to lift the restrictions.
(The Globe and Mail Nov. 15, 2006)
Canada has no objections to uranium exports to China
The Canadian government would not stand in the way of future sales of Canadian-origin natural uranium or enriched uranium product to China's nuclear power program, well-placed diplomatic sources told NuclearFuel.
Should Cameco and China in the future strike a separate deal for sale of Cameco's production of uranium in Kazakhstan to China, the sources said, Canada would not likely require Canadian approval prior to export of the material to China. Canada's nuclear commerce with China is governed by a bilateral nuclear cooperation agreement. Under this agreement, officials pointed out, Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. (AECL) exported first cores, containing Canadian-origin natural uranium, for the two Candu-6 PHWRs at Qinshan, as well as a Candu fuel fabrication plant that is now operating at Baotou to fabricate all the fresh fuel for the two PHWRs. All the Canadian-origin uranium and fuel fabrication equipment and technology supplied to China is subject to peaceful-use provisions of the Sino-Canadian cooperation agreement, officials said. "There is no reason why any further sales of Canadian-origin uranium couldn't take place, provided that China would consider the transaction likewise subject to our peaceful-use provisions, and there is no reason why China would not agree to do that," one source said.
(Nuclear Fuel Aug. 15, 2005)
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) is issuing for public review and comment, Draft Regulatory Standard, S-307, Requirements for the Disposal of Nuclear Substances.
Comments are invited by February 4, 2005.
> View CNSC Information Bulletin 04-20, Nov. 22, 2004
> Download Draft Regulatory Standard S-307 (PDF)
For the natural uranium nuclides U-238 and U-234 and their short-lived decay products Th-234 and Pa-234/234m, the draft standard states maximum concentration levels for disposal of 1 Bq/g each. Assuming that no further decay products are present, the gamma dose rate on top of such material is approx. 0.04 mSv/year. Assuming the complete decay series are in equilibrium, the gamma dose rate reaches 3 mSv/year.
(Doses calculated on basis of FGR12 dose factors.)
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) released after public review:
Regulatory Guide G-296, Developing Environmental Protection Policies, Programs and Procedures at Class I Nuclear Facilities and Uranium Mines and Mills
> View Information Bulletin 06-03, April 6, 2006
> Download Regulatory Guide, G-296 (PDF)
> View Information Bulletin 04-16, September 21, 2004
> Download Draft Regulatory Guide, G-296 Rev.1 (PDF)
Regulatory Standard S-296, Environmental Protection Policies, Programs and Procedures at Class I Nuclear Facilities and Uranium Mines and Mills
> View Information Bulletin 06-02, April 6, 2006
> Download Regulatory Standard, S-296 (PDF)
> View Information Bulletin 04-17, September 21, 2004
> Download Draft Regulatory Standard, S-296 Rev.1 (PDF)
Environmental Monitoring Program at Class I Nuclear Facilities and Uranium Mines and Mills, July 2004
Draft Regulatory Guide G-224 (PDF)
Draft Regulatory Standard S-224 (PDF)
Comments are invited by October 15, 2004.
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) has published a new regulatory document, Regulatory Guide G-217, Licensee Public Information Programs.
> View CNSC Bulletin Mar. 10, 2004
> Download Regulatory Guide G-217, Guide to Licensee Public Information Programs (PDF)
Please respond by April 15, 2004.
> View CNSC Bulletin Mar. 1, 2004
> Download Draft regulatory standard, S-213, Quality Assurance Program Requirements for Nuclear Facilities (PDF)
Please respond by April 19, 2004.
> View CNSC Bulletin Feb. 16, 2004
> Download Draft Regulatory Guide, G-129 rev.1, Keeping Radiation Exposures and Doses "As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA)" (PDF)
Canada to Align Environmental Assessment Regulations with its Nuclear Legislation
The proposed amendments were published in the Canada Gazette, Part I on August 2, 2003 (Vol. 137, No. 31): English HTML · Bilingual PDF 799 KB / Official
Comments on the proposed amendments should be received at the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency by September 2, 2003.
> View CEAA release July 31, 2003
On Feb. 14, 2003, the Government of Saskatchewan and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) announced the signing of an agreement "that will lead to greater administrative efficiency in regulating the uranium industry. This initiative responds to a recommendation made by the Joint Federal-Provincial Panel on Uranium Mining Developments in Northern Saskatchewan and lays the groundwork for the two groups to coordinate and harmonize their respective regulatory regimes."
> View CNSC release Feb. 14, 2003
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) is issuing for public review and comment a draft regulatory guide, Measuring Airborne Radon Progeny at Uranium Mines and Mills (C-004 Rev.1). This document describes a method that CNSC licensees may use to assess concentrations of airborne radon progeny at uranium mines and mills in Canada.
Comments have to be submitted by April 30, 2001.
> Download draft regulatory guide C-004 Rev.1 (125k PDF)
> View CNSC Information Bulletin Feb. 8, 2001
Drinking water standard for uranium of 20 µg/l approved
On October 27, 2000, the Federal–Provincial–Territorial Committee on Environmental and Occupational Health (CEOH) approved an interim maximum acceptable concentration (IMAC) of 20 µg/L (ppb) for uranium in drinking water. (Subcommittee release )
> Download Summary table of Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water (35k PDF)
Drinking water standard for uranium of 10 µg/l proposed
In January 1999, Health Canada's Federal-Provincial Subcommittee on Drinking Water issued a proposed guideline for uranium in drinking water of 10 µg per litre.
The comment period ended August 1st, 1999.
> Health Canada announcement (Jan. 11, 1999)
> Download full text (145k, PDF format)
See also: Uranium Toxicity
On March 20, 1997, the Nuclear Safety
and Control Act was enacted by the House of Commons. The Act
will replace the Atomic Energy Control Act of 1946 after its
proclamation at some time in 1998.
The Revised Draft Regulations (including Uranium Mining Regulations) for the Nuclear Safety and Control Act were open for public review until December 1, 1998.
The approval in principal to these regulations is scheduled for the AECB Board meeting on March 23, 2000.
View AECB news release (Oct 15, 1998)
View Revised draft regulations and the Regulatory Impact Analysis Statement
View Report on the Dispositioning of Comments on the Draft Regulations (1997 versions)
View announcement in AECB Reporter Spring 1997.
View AECB Backgrounder .
Proposed Regulatory Guides for the Preparation of Preliminary and Detailed Decommissioning Plans and for the Provision of Financial Guarantees to Implement these Plans
The Atomic Energy Control Board (AECB) is issuing for public review and
comment two proposed Regulatory Guides: Consultative Document C206 (E)
entitled Financial Guarantees Guide for the Decommissioning of Licensed
Activities and its companion Consultative Document C219 (E) entitled
Decommissioning Planning Guide for Licensed Activities.
Comments had to be received before December 11, 1998.
> View AECB Information Bulletin 98-09 (Sep 30, 1998)
> Download C206 (E) Financial Guarantees Guide for the Decommissioning of Licensed activities (208k, PDF format)
> Download C219 (E) Decommissioning Planning Guide for Licensed Activities (242k, PDF format)
> View extra page
Argentina
Argentine province of Córdoba passes law prohibiting open pit mining
In an unanimous vote, the single-chamber legislative assembly of Córdoba approved a law prohibiting all open-pit mining (including uranium mining) in the province.
(Los Andes Sep. 25, 2008)
Calypso Uranium Corp. files claim to set aside anti-mining law in Mendoza Province
Calypso Uranium Corp. has filed a claim before the Argentine Supreme Court against Mendoza Law No. 7,722, containing a prohibition in regard to the use in mining activities of certain substances including cyanide, sulfuric acid and mercury.
Calypso is requesting the Court to declare Law No. 7,722 unconstitutional on the grounds that it is discriminatory, arbitrary, and violates the Company's rights to conduct a lawful business.
The lawsuit also claims the law breaches the principle of separation of powers and the guaranty of fair and equitable treatment set forth in the Argentina-Canada Bilateral Investment Treaty.
General · European Union · Finland · Germany · Slovakia
Council of the European Union adopts new statutes of the Euratom Supply Agency
Council Decision of 12 February 2008 establishing Statutes for the Euratom Supply Agency (2008/114/EC, Euratom) , Official Journal of the European Union, L 41, p.15-20, 15 Feb 2008
Russia is demanding the European Union to drop its policy of importing not more than 25% of its uranium requirements from Russia.
(RIA Novosti Nov. 19, 2007)
A new directive on basic standards for radiation protection of
workers and the general public has been adopted by the European
Union. The directive includes revised standards taking into
account the 1991 ICRP recommendations. Although it is still to
be implemented by EU member states, it is to take effect no
later than May 2000. [UI News Briefing 96/20]
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 96/29/EURATOM of 13 May 1996 laying
down basic safety standards for the protection of the health of
workers and the general public against the dangers arising from
ionizing radiation, 114 p., JOL1996/159-2EN
> English text: View (no tables - 82k - EUR-LEX) · Download (TIF image)
> German text: View (no tables - EUR-LEX) ·
Download (incl. tables - 780k PDF - BMU)
> See also:
Communication from the Commission concerning the implementation of Council Directive 96/29/Euratom laying down basic safety standards for the protection of the health of the workers and the general public against the dangers arising from ionising radiation (98/C 133/03), Official Journal of the European Communities,
C 133/3, April 30, 1998
Download full text (94k PDF)
See details on the revision of the the German Radiation Protection Regulations
> See also:
Practical Use of the Concepts of Clearance and Exemption :
Part I: Guidance on General Clearance Levels for Practices,
Part II: Application of the Concepts of Exemption and Clearance to Natural Radiation Sources,
Recommendations of the Group of Experts established under the terms of Article 31of the Euratom Treaty,
Radiation protection 122,
European Commission, Directorate-General Environment, 2000
Finnish local councils may be given veto right on uranium mines
A Finnish government working group tasked with proposing amendments to the Mining Act of 1965 said in a report that local councils should have the right to veto uranium mines.
According to economic affairs minister Mauri Pekkarinen, the veto right was justified.
He hopes to have an amended piece of legislation in force by 2010.
(STT Oct. 8, 2008)
On Dec 2, 1999, the German Federal Constitutional Court dismissed a suit against the split radiation protection regulations which are in effect in the western and eastern parts of the country. The suit had been filed by residents of Wismut's uranium mining area in Eastern Germany, where less stringent regulations than in the western part of the country are in effect.
Bundesverfassungsgericht Pressemitteilung 11.1.2000
Beschluß vom 2. Dezember 1999 - Az. 1 BvR 1580/91 -
On Oct. 2, 1997, the Federal Parliament of Germany turned down a
motion of the Social Democrats proposing to submit the cleanup
of Wismut's uranium mining
sites in Eastern Germany to environmental assessment
legislation. This means that the decommissioning of the Wismut
sites is the only large scale project without opportunities for
public involvement, continuing a sad history of secrecy that
accompanies Wismut's activities from its beginning in the Cold
War era.
Source: Woche im
Bundestag, No.16, 7 Oct 1997
Slovak NGOs file complaint with EC over reductions of their role
Twenty Slovak non-governmental organisations dedicated to the protection of human rights and the environment have filed a complaint with the European Commission over certain new pieces of legislation in Slovakia.
The legislation adopted in 2007 ended the participation of civil associations in the licensing process for mining, the construction of new power plants, hazardous waste repositories and chemical factories. Current controversial projects include planned uranium mining in Jahodná (Košice region), gold mining in Kremnica (Banská Bystrica), and a plan to build a coal-fired power plant in Trebišov (Košice region).
According to Peter Wilfling of the Citizen and Democracy Association, the adopted legislation falls foul of EU rules and the international Aarhus Convention on public participation in decision-making.
(SK Today Feb. 7, 2008)
Namibia · South Africa · Zambia
Commonwealth to review Namibian regulatory framework for uranium mining
Beginning in September 2007, advisers from the Economic and Legal Section of the Commonwealth Secretariat's Special Advisory Services Division will undertake a review of Namibian law as it relates to uranium mining.
Their efforts will focus on reviewing the country's current Minerals Act, and advising the Government of Namibia on proposed amendments to existing laws as well as the need for new provisions aimed at ensuring that uranium mining in the Southern African nation incorporates the highest standards in health, environmental protection, and safety.
The goal of both the government and the Secretariat is to create a proper regulatory framework in Namibia that meets the highest standards and will attract further investment in the uranium sector.
(Commonwealth News and Information Service Sep. 12, 2007)
After decades of ongoing uranium mining, the Namibian Chamber of Mines plans to develop radiation and environmental standards for uranium mines
The Namibian Chamber of Mines has decided to establish a Uranium Stewardship Committee to safeguard the interest of the uranium industry in the country.
Chairperson of the Uranium Stewardship Committee is Michael Leech, who is the Managing Director of Rössing Uranium. The committee is to develop minimum standards for environmental health and environmental management for uranium mines and to assist with a Regional Strategic Environmental Management Plan (SEMP).
This is being done with participation of public and private stakeholders and also in conjunction with the Southern African Institute for Environmental Assessment (SAIEA), the World Nuclear Association (WNA) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
(NAMPA Feb. 29, 2008)
The Chamber of Mines of Namibia has established a committee that will deal with radiation protection issues in the uranium industry.
The chamber has also appointed a medical practitioner, Dr Wotan Swiegers, as principal adviser. He will help with the development of minimum standards for occupational health and environmental management for uranium mines.
In an interview with New Era, the General Manager of the Chamber of Mines in Namibia, Veston Malango, said: "One challenging area specifically for uranium mining is the absence of adequate legislation to effectively deal with radiation protection, occupational health, and environmental management."
On July 26, 2007, relevant stakeholders are scheduled to hold an inaugural meeting in Swakopmund to set an agenda for the project.
The project that started early last month and will run for two years will see the involvement of all relevant stakeholders working on radiation-related issues in the industry.
"The Chamber of Mines intends to present the output of this project to the Namibian Government, so that appropriate legislation/regulations can be enacted for the whole uranium industry," said Malango.
(New Era July 26, 2007)
Namibia places moratorium on new prospection licenses for uranium
The Ministry of Mines and Energy has stopped accepting requests for uranium prospection licenses.
It will soon announce a moratorium in the Government Gazette of the Republic of Namibia.
(The Namibian Feb. 14, 2007)
Namibia to demand mining companies to pay into decommissioning funds
On April 26, 2006, Mines Minister Erkki Nghimtina said in the National Assembly he would propose an amendment to the Minerals Act this year, which would force international companies holding mining licenses in the country to invest in a fund that will be used to clean up mining areas after the mines become exhausted, as well to take care of people living in those areas.
(Namibian April 28, 2006)
Atomic Energy and Radiation Protection Bill tabled in National Assembly of Namibia
On Feb. 16, 2005, Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services, Richard Kwamwi, tabled the Atomic Energy and Radiation Protection Bill in the National Assembly of Namibia. The Bill, expected to be debated on Feb. 22, 2005, provides for the establishment of a Namibian Atomic Energy Board and a National Radiation Protection Authority.
(New Era Feb. 17, 2005)
South Africa today expressed readiness to supply uranium to India after the Nuclear Suppliers Group adjusted its guidelines to enable New Delhi's participation in international nuclear trade.
"We have absolutely no difficulty or objections to selling uranium to India ... that we will do without any difficulty," South African President Kgalema Motlanthe told reporters after a summit meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
(Economic Times 15 Oct 2008)
South African government may demand first pick of uranium
South Africa may compel local miners to offer uranium first to the state to feed the country's expanding nuclear energy programme, a senior official said.
The government announced this month it would ramp up use of nuclear energy as it moves to meet fast-growing demand for power, using the country's large reserves of uranium.
"The intervention in the uranium market (is necessary) ... there is no way we can have a situation where we battle for uranium, to get uranium ore, when our country is actually exporting," Tseliso Maqubela, chief director for nuclear energy at the department of minerals and energy, told legislators.
(Reuters Aug. 23, 2007)
South Africa releases draft Nuclear Energy Policy and Strategy for public comment
On August 13, 2007, the Department of Minerals and Energy released its draft Nuclear Energy Policy and Strategy for public comment.
"Government shall ensure that the balance between the immediate exploitation of our mineral resources and the securing of a long term supply of these resources always guarantees security of supply. In addition, government shall actively promote investment in uranium exploration and mining, and in very specific instances shall make investments in these industries, as a way of ensuring security of nuclear fuel supply for South Africa."
> Download Nuclear Energy Policy and Strategy for the Republic of South Africa, Draft for Public Comment, July 2007 (231k PDF)
South Africa plans to give local nuclear industry privileged access to domestic uranium resources
The minerals and energy department is planning to declare uranium a "protected mineral resource" to secure supplies for the local nuclear industry. The department has cited as a reason for this the recent strong growth in uranium prices and its intention to use more uranium to produce power. Currently, most uranium in SA is sourced as a by-product of gold mining.
(Business Day June 7, 2005)
Draft Radioactive Waste Management Policy And Strategy issued for comment
The Department of Minerals and Energy has published a draft Radioactive Waste Management Policy and Strategy for the Republic of South Africa for public comment. The regulations cover, among others, tailings from the mining and milling of ores that contain uranium and thorium, and their radioactive decay products.
All interested parties are invited to comment in writing on the draft regulations.
The comment period has been extended through 31 December 2003.
> Download media release announcing extension of comment period (PDF, Oct. 16, 2003)
> Download draft regulations (550k PDF)
Zambia enacts uranium mining law
Zambia has enacted a law for mining, storage and export of uranium which bars the diversion of the mineral for use in making nuclear weapons or devices, mines minister Kalombo Mwansa said.
The law, which covers the prospecting, mining and milling of uranium ores and other radioactive minerals ores, gives all powers in the mines minister to issue licences for mining and exports of uranium as a safeguard to ensure the mineral is exported to the right consumers.
It also makes it mandatory for mining companies and exporters of uranium to provide documentation on the source of uranium concentrate or radioactive materials and to prove the authenticity of importers under the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) guidelines.
Foreign firms seeking to export uranium would have to apply for export licences from the Radiation Protection Authority under the ministry of health to ensure their operations did not pose environmental and health hazards to the country.
The legislation also imposes strict management plans for natural water and that coming from mining activities and other waste products of mining firms to avert major damage to the environment and health of miners and others.
Mining firms will be required to initiate radiation protection management plans, waste management plans and quantitative radiological hazard and safety assessments plans before obtaining a mining licence, the law states.
(Reuters Oct. 6, 2008)
Zambia to approve uranium mining law by year-end 2007
Zambia plans to pass a new uranium law in December 2007 to allow foreign firms to start mining uranium on a large scale for use as a source of energy to drive its economy and for exports, a minister said.
Kalombo Mwansa, the minister of mines and minerals development, said the southern African country had drawn up guidelines on mining and exports of uranium in line with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The law would be approved before the end of December after consultations with the United Nations agency, to enable foreign firms that have been exploring for uranium to apply for mining licences in areas where uranium has been discovered, he said.
"We have already drawn guidelines for mining uranium which we handed to the ministry of justice. The justice minister is currently consulting the UN on the mining, storage and transportation of uranium," Mwansa told Reuters in an interview.
(Reuters Dec. 12, 2007)
Zambia to develop policy prior to issuing uranium mining licenses
> View here
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is prepared to supply India uranium for its existing and future civil nuclear power plants and in return expects greater intensity in economic ties, including assistance in joining the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
An agreement to promote nuclear cooperation between the two countries could be agreed upon during a summit meeting between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev.
(The Hindu Oct. 16, 2008)
> View extra page
The International Atomic Energy Agency is concerned that a doubling in the price of uranium has attracted so many miners to the sector that inspectors may not be able to keep track of the new supplies, The Times has learnt.
The IAEA’s fear is that uranium could fall into the hands of terrorists or hostile nations if it cannot control new mine production.
(The Times Dec. 26, 2006)
The world's number two uranium miner, Areva Group , says countries which sell uranium have a moral obligation to store the waste (i.e. spent fuel), even if the uranium is exported.
Arguing the case for the acceptance of uranium mining in Australia to a federal committee (see details), France-based Areva said if uranium is mined and exported in Australia the waste should be transported back for storage.
"I think we probably do have a moral obligation," said Stephen Mann, general manager of Cogema Australia, Areva's mining subsidiary in Australia.
(Asia Pulse Sep. 23, 2005)
In September 2004, WHO revised its provisional guideline value for uranium in drinking water from 9 µg/l to 15 µg/l. The change is based on a revision of the allocation of the tolerable daily intake to drinking water from 50% to 80%.
WHO Guidelines for drinking-water quality, third edition, 2004
Uranium in Drinking-water, Background document for development of WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality (172k PDF) · updated June 2005 (192k PDF)
In January 2003, WHO had revised its provisional guideline value for uranium in drinking water from 2 µg/l to 9 µg/l. The change was based on a revision of the allocation of the tolerable daily intake to drinking water from 10% to 50%.
See also: Uranium Ingestion: Current Standards
IAEA has conducted a four-year co-ordinated research project (CRP) on the management of uranium mill tailings.
"This CRP is proposed as one step towards raising the awareness of potential problems and assisting Member States in the development of efficient procedures and processes for the sustainable long-term management and, if deemed appropriate, remediation of uranium mining/milling waste sites, and to encourage a harmonized and systematic approach where feasible. "
> See: Co-ordinated Research Project (CRP) on technologies and methods for long term stabilization and isolation of uranium mill tailings, Project Brief
The final report was released on September 10, 2004:
The Long-Term Stabilization of Uranium Mill Tailings, Final report of a co-ordinated research project 2000-2004, IAEA-TECDOC-1403, ISBN 92-0-108904-X, Vienna, August 2004, 311 p.
> Download full report (7.5MB PDF)
"The problems caused by wastes from the mining and milling of uranium and thorium ores affect many countries and in some they have not been well managed. The wastes are in the form of large volumes of low-activity concentration materials containing radionuclides with very long radioactive half-lives. In many countries the wastes are stored at the surface in large piles and represent a long-term potential health and environmental hazard. Because of the large volumes, radiologically effective waste management solutions are usually difficult and expensive. Issues of long-term radiation protection arise in devising appropriate strategies for the management of these wastes. A new Safety Guide is in preparation on the management of these wastes; this will be an update of Safety Series No. 85 issued in 1987."
[IAEA Bulletin Vol.40 No.2, June 1998 , p.17]
> see also: Uranium Mining Legislation Bibliography
