Issues at Operating Uranium Mines and Mills - Other Countries
(last updated 29 Apr 2008)
Contents:
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> See also Sierra Pintada Uranium District, Mendoza
Uranium mining in San Rafael is opposed by ¿Uranio? No Gracias 
.
CNEA expects to begin the works to repair the effluent ponds at the former Sierra Pintada uranium mine with an investment of $5 million early in December 2007. This is a prerequisite for future resumption of the mine operation.
(Diario Uno Nov. 9, 2007)
At the request of a member of Multisectoral del Sur , a federal judge ordered that no works preparing production may be performed at the Sierra Pintada uranium mine. The judge summoned a hearing on June 26, 2007. (Diario San Rafael 20 June 2007)
The World Bank is interested in financing the restart of the Sierra Pintada uranium mine, provided that a solution is found for the reclamation of the former operations.
(Los Andes June 6, 2007)
The wine producers of the San Rafael river basin fear that the reopening of a uranium mine in the Sierra Pintada area endangers the prestige that their wine has in the exporting market, mainly American and European. In an attempt to measure the real impact of the uranium, they summoned specialists of the National University of La Plata (UNLP) to analyze water, grape juice, and products of the region.
(Diario Hoy April 1, 2007)
A powerful coalition of vineyards, organic farmers and local businesses is up in arms, warning residents that their water, air and soil are at risk of being poisoned and their livelihoods, export markets, tourist industry and health could be ruined.
The issue is so explosive that for now, there is no official talk of restarting the Sierra Pintada mine complex. A public hearing is scheduled for February 17, 2007, to discuss the National Atomic Energy Commission's (CNEA) plan to clean up uranium waste that has been left at the site since operations halted a decade ago.
Opponents say the plan, presented to the provincial government a year ago, is flawed and merely "environmental window dressing".
"We are urgently asking for a clean-up but based on a serious study, not a secondary-school report", said Raul Montenegro, a biologist with the 38-group coalition.
He said waters in the Tigre stream, which flows through the mine and into the Diamond River that supplies semi-arid San Rafael with drinking water, contain up to 75 micrograms of uranium per litre - which he said was more than twice the levels permitted in the US, Canada and Australia.
The CNEA says the water is naturally high in uranium and independent studies have proved there is no contamination.
(Financial Times Feb. 8, 2007)
On Dec. 1, 2006, Multisectorial del Sur held a demonstration in San Rafael against the reopening of the Sierra Pintada uranium mine.
(Diario San Rafael Dec. 4, 2006)
The public hearing scheduled on Nov. 2, 2006, for discussion of CNEA's Environmental Impact Study for the reclamation of the abandoned Sierra Pintada uranium mine was suspended upon receipt of a notification issued by the Fourth Civilian Court of San Rafael at the request of Multisectoral del Sur. (Diario Uno Nov. 2, 2006)
Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica (CNEA) has opened an information centre at San Rafael to inform the public on the proposed reopening of the Sierra Pintada uranium mine. (Diario Uno Oct. 29, 2006)
On October 16 - 20, 2006, a public hearing will be held on the reopening of the Sierra Pintada uranium mine. Provided the Provincial Government issues a declaration of environmental impact, the reclamation of the environmental liabilites from former mining at the site could start by the end of the year.
The reclamation work would take two years; CNEA has a total budget of $ 17 million for it.
(Diario Uno Sep. 16, 2006)
At the occasion of the visit of Argentina's president Néstor Kirchner on August 29, 2006, Multisectorial del Sur held a march in San Rafael against the reopening of the Sierra Pintada uranium mine.
(Diario San Rafael Sep. 4, 2006)
Frightened by the possible contamination of the Diamante River and the environment, hundreds of inhabitants marched on June 2, 2006, through the downtown streets of San Rafael to demand that the Sierra Pintada uranium mine should not be reopened nor any other uranium mine should be permitted.
(Diario Uno June 3, 2006)
CNEA has scheduled the beginning of the reclamation of the Sierra Pintada uranium mine for mid-2006. CNEA maintains, however, that the requested complete reclamation of the old workings is not possible, since most backfilling could only be done after the final closure of the mine. For the reclamation work, approval of the provincial government is required.
The mine could then be reopened in mid-2007. For resumption of mining, in addition, a new license has to obtained from the nuclear authority Autoridad Regulatoria Nuclear (ARN).
(Los Andes March 22, 2006)
A march against the re-opening of the Sierra Pintada uranium mine prior to cleanup of the environmental liabilities of former mining is held in San Rafael on Feb. 17, 2006. (Diario San Rafael Feb. 17, 2006)
The Federal Court of San Rafael has ordered the prohibition of all activities associated with the re-opening of the Sierra Pintada uranium mine. The decision was taken at the request of Multisectorial para el Desarrollo Sustentable, an organization comprising about 40 local NGOs, and having repeatedly spoken out against the reopening of the mine before the environmental liabilities of nearly 20 years of uranium mining have not been cleaned up.
(Diario San Rafael Apr. 4, 2005)
On March 17, 2005, Alberto Llach, president of the Chamber of Commerce of San Rafael, confirmed the position of the directory: "Before considering the reactivation of uranium mining, CNEA must reclaim the environmental liabilities in San Rafael and Malargüe".
(Los Andes March 18, 2005)
On July 27, 2004, Argentina's atomic energy commission (CNEA) has handed over to Mendoza provincial authorities the environmental impact study (EIS) to revive the Sierra Pintada uranium mine, located in Mendoza's San Rafael district. CNEA wants Sierra Pintada, which has a capacity of 120t/y, to produce close to 2,500t of uranium over 20 years. The 1800-page document was prepared by the Technical University of Avellaneda.
Ongoing negotiations are aimed at resolving the question of environmental legacies resulting from previous operations at the mine. It is CNEA's responsibility to find a solution to these problems, which include uranium tailings.
Moreover, a committee from the province's lower house of parliament has been set up to look into the economic and social aspects of the project and has been given 90 days to report back.
(BNamericas 29 Jul 2004, Ministerio de Economía Jul 2004)
Argentina's atomic energy commission CNEA is pushing ahead with administrative procedures to enable it to reopen the San Rafael uranium deposit in the Sierra Pintada area of southern Mendoza province, in the central-west region of the country. The CNEA will present an environmental impact study (EIS) for the project in coming days, Juan Fallet, the province's mining authority director told BNamericas. Preparations are going ahead despite protests by an NGO known as Fundación Nativa and some members of the San Rafael chamber of commerce who are opposed to the development. "There will probably be a public hearing to decide the next steps," Fallet said.
(BNamericas Oct. 30, 2003)
The local Chamber of Commerce (Cámara de Comercio, Industria y Agropecuaria de San Rafael ) joins the opposition against the reopening of the Sierra Pintada uranium mine, since the mine would have severe impacts on the regional economy. (Los Andes Aug. 25, 2003)
> See also: San Rafael: los vecinos ya le dicen no a la mina de uranio. (The neighbours already say no to the uranium mine) (FUNAM Aug. 26, 2003, in Spanish)
The Argentine National Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA) is preparing to restart mining operations at its Sierra Pintada uranium deposit in Mendoza province. The mine has been shut since 1997 and should be up and running by October 2003.
(BNamericas 13 Feb 2003)
> View deposit info
INB plans to double production from Caetité uranium mine by 2011
At present, INB produces 400 tonnes a year of uranium at its Caetité mines in the northeastern Bahia state. In 2011, the INB plans to add 400 tonnes from Caetité's new Engenho pit, which should effectively double total production compared with now. (Reuters Dec. 10, 2007)
Parliamentary Commission finds serious deficiencies with control of Caetité uranium mine
On March 15, 2006, a working group of the House of Representatives' Commission on Environment and Sustainable Development released its report on nuclear control and safety. The report identifies serious deficiences with the control of the Caetité uranium mine, among others:
- The Caetité uranium mine has no regular operating license (Autorização para Operação Permanente - AOP); it still works with a startup license (Autorização para Operação Inicial - AOI) which has been extended by CNEN five times.
- INB had failed to report various incidents, including a major spill in April 2000: the release of 5000 cubic metres of uranium liquid was due to the failure to compact the soil under a pond liner, as prescribed in the license.
- The license was renewed even after a settling pond overtopped seven times in summer 2004 after heavy rain; the liquid (containing uranium-238, thorium-230, and radium-226) spilled into the river Riacho das Vacas.
> Comissão de Meio Ambiente e Desenvolvimento Sustentável - CMADS (in Portuguese)
> Download Relatório do Grupo de Trabalho Fiscalização e Segurança Nuclear, março de 2006 (1.84M PDF - in Portuguese)
On January 17, 2002, INB exported the first shipment of uranium from Caetité. The first 500-kg shipment went to Belgium. (EFE/Gazeta Mercantil Jan. 17, 2002)
Authorisation to resume uranium operations at Lagoa Real mine was given to Industrias Nucleares do Brasil (INB) by the environmental control entity - Instituto Brasileiro de Meio Ambiente e Recursos Renovaveis (Ibama) - and Comissão Nacional de Energia Nuclear (CNEN). Production was halted 12 months ago due to a uranium leakage. In that period, lost production amounted to 400 tonnes U3O8 (339 tU). (WNA News Briefing 01.46, Nov. 14, 2001)
In October 2000, INB put the operations of the Lagoa Real / Caetité mine on hold, in response to the leak that occured in April 2000. (Gazeta Mercantil, Oct. 27, 2000)
> View older issues
> View decommissioning issues
International uranium mining training centre to open in Czech Republic
A new international nuclear training centre where experts can learn about the methods of uranium mining will be opened in Stráž pod Ralskem by the Diamo state enterprise with support of the World Nuclear University in London.
The first four-week course in the nuclear centre will take place in September and October 2006.
"We expect some 15 experts from China, India, Brazil, Argentina, Kazakhstan as well as other countries to apply for the course," said Ján Slezák, preparing the training centre.
(Prague Daily Monitor May 17, 2006; Mladá fronta DNES May 16, 2006)
Czech cabinet approves continuation of uranium mining at Rožná mine
In view of the rising uranium market prices, the Czech cabinet has approved the continuation of uranium mining at the Rožinká mine for as long as it will be profitable.
According to the latest estimates, mining could be profitable until 2012, and at the current market prices could generate a profit of Kč 2 billion [EUR 71 million].
(Prague Daily Monitor/ČTK 24 May 2007)
Czech Republic rejects Uran Ltd offer to buy stake in Rožná uranium mine, investigates further extension of mine life beyond 2008
The Czech Republic turned down an offer by Uran Ltd., an Australian uranium explorer, to purchase a stake at the Rožná uranium mine. Czech Industry Minister Martin Říman said the company's involvement is not needed because the rising price of uranium means Diamo can make the necessary investments without a partner.
Říman said he asked Diamo to prepare a document for the government on a possible continuation of mining and on exploration of new deposits. He said a detailed exploration of deposits located below the existing mine would cost 250 million koruna (US$ 11.66 million).
"The final decision on whether to continue in further mining and exploration will be left to the government," he said in the press release.
(Bloomberg Feb. 22, 2007)
Uran Ltd submits proposal for acquisition of interest in Rožná uranium mine
Following its recent announcement regarding discussions to acquire an interest in the Rožná underground uranium mine in the Czech Republic, Uran Limited advised on Feb. 19, 2007, that it has submitted a proposal to DIAMO, the state enterprise responsible for mining at Rožná.
Uranium mining in Rožná might once more be extended
Uranium mining in Rožná could continue even after 2008, Czech Prime Minister Jiří Paroubek said during a visit to the Geam plant. Chances are great that the EU's last uranium mine will remain in operation. The proposal for continued uranium mining made by the Industry and Trade Ministry will be dealt with by the cabinet in autumn 2005.
"We shall see how far we shall extend it because the deposits are there and they are plentiful," said Paroubek adding that the growth in world prices of uranium is a factor in favour of the continued operation.
World prices of uranium are one third higher than the mining costs, said Paroubek.
The costs for the repair of the environmental damages are estimated at CZK 6 billion [US$ 255 million].
(Prague Daily Monitor Sep. 9, 2005)
Rožná uranium mine to be shut down by 2005
Roman Makarius, chairman of the Czech Mining Office, announced the end of the operations at the country's last active uranium mine at Rožná in 2005.
(Prague Post Nov. 6, 2003)
Czech government approves further 2-year extension of Rožná uranium mine operation
On June 26, 2002, the Czech government approved a further 2-year extension of uranium mining at the country's last active uranium mine of Rožná until January 2006. The decision was criticized by Environment Minister Miloš Kužvart. (ČTK June 26, 2002)
Czech Government approves 2-year extension of uranium mining at Rožná
On November 8, 2000, the Czech Government approved the extension of the uranium mining at the Rožná mine in West Moravia until end 2003 rather than end 2001. (ČTK 8 Nov. 2000)
New effort to continue uranium mining operations
The Czech uranium mining company Diamo has started a new effort to get government approval for the continuation of its uranium mining operations at the Rožná mine for another two years after the scheduled closure in 2001. Diamo now wants to mine out readily available reserves, rather than expand its operations as proposed previously. (Hospodárske Noviny, 3 Sep 1999)
Uranium mining will not be continued after 2001
On July 21, 1999, the government of the Czech Republic reaffirmed that all uranium mining in the country will end in 2001. During the last months, Industry and Trade Minister Grégr had campaigned for the continuation of uranium mining for about four more years, to fulfill the needs of the domestic nuclear power plants. This would have included the reopening of the already shut down Hamr underground mine. Production costs would have been above world market prices, however.
Uranium mining suspended
A lack of finances at state uranium mining company Diamo forced it to suspend underground work at its Hamr and Rožná mines for two months, sending almost 400 employees home with 60% pay. (Prague Business Journal, March 3, 1999)
Uranium mining company Diamo began negotiating with unions to extend its current production suspension by another two months. (Prague Business Journal, April 21, 1999)
Plan to continue uranium mining
The Industry and Trade Ministry plans to propose to the government to delay the planned closure of the Rožinká uranium mine from 2001 to 2005. State mining company Diamo, which submitted an analysis of renewed uranium mining to the ministry, now plans to reopen a mine in Brzkov-Veznice. (Prague Business Journal, Feb. 18, 1999)
Government subsidies for Romanian uranium mines lowered
According to the Ministry of Economics, the state subsidies for the Romanian national uranium mining company (CNU) have been reduced by 14.3%. On average, the subsidies for all mining companies have been lowered by approx. 28%.
(Allgemeine Deutsche Zeitung für Rumänien, Nov. 2, 2004)
Spill at uranium mine in western Romania
Several tons of waste sludge contaminated with uranium poured from a mining operation in western Romania into nearby streams and then the Fekete Körös River in eastern Hungary. (Los Angeles Times, April 20, 2000)
Ukraine suspends uranium exports
Ukraine suspended uranium exports in December 2006 after failing to fill up its national reserve to the required 2,400 tons, Mykyta Konstantynov, first vice president for economic policy and corporate development at Enerhoatom, a nuclear energy generating company, said in an interview published in the May 14, 2007, issue of Kiev-based Business weekly.
He noted that export restrictions would not apply to uranium purchased by Enerhoatom from VostGOK (Vostochnyy Mining Enrichment Plant) and supplied to Westinghouse (US) under a nuclear fuel qualification project with the American company.
(New Europe News May 19, 2007)
Ukraine could export natural uranium
> View details
Gunmen attack uranium lorry in Niger
Gunmen have killed one civilian and wounded another in an attack on a lorry used for transporting uranium from north Niger to a port in Benin, authorities in the Agadez region said on March 14, 2008.
(AFP March 14, 2008)
Areva receives Public Eye Award as one of "the world's most irresponsible companies" for its uranium mining operations in Niger
On January 23, 2008, the non-profit organizations the Berne Declaration and Pro Natura held an award ceremony in Davos, Switzerland, to expose the world's most irresponsible companies. Areva received the 2008 Public Eye Global Award. In addition, Areva received the 2008 Public Eye People's Award through Internet voting.
The organizations had stated the following Reason for Nomination: "Uranium mining in Niger: mineworkers are not sufficiently informed about health risks, open-air storage of radioactive materials. Workers with cancer are deliberately given a false diagnosis at the company hospital."
> View Public Eye
> See also additional information from CRIIRAD (in French)
Hundreds march in Niger against Areva
Hundreds of people in Niger marched on Sep. 8, 2007, to demand the departure of French nuclear giant Areva, which they accuse of backing a rebellion in the uranium-rich north of the former French colony.
(Reuters Sep. 8, 2007)
Niger civil society claims US$ 640 million from AREVA in damages
Niger's citizen movement "Mouvement citoyen pour la paix, la démocratie et la République" which embraces several civil society organisations, is demanding FCFA300 billion (US$ 640 million) from French mining giant AREVA as damages for the 40-year exploitation of the Niger uranium in "unfair and iniquitous conditions," the chairman of the movement told PANA.
The movement's chairman, Nouhou Arzika said the government would do everything to have AREVA pay what it owes Niger populations.
"For 40 years, the company has exploited more than 100,000 tonnes of Niger's uranium at the detriment of the populations because the conditions of sale were far from addressing the interests of the country," he argued.
(Panapress Aug. 29, 2007)
Head of Areva Niger expelled
Areva confirmed that its head of operations in Niger has been expelled by the country's authorities. "Areva confirms and deplores the decision of the Niger state to expel Dominique Pin, head of Areva Niger," the French nuclear power group said in a statement.
Last week, Pin denied that Areva had given any support to the Touareg rebel group Movement of Niger People for Justice (MNJ), which has been carrying out violent attacks against military targets in the north of Niger for months.
(AFX July 26, 2007)
Niger rebels attack power plant in uranium mining area
Rebels in Niger's remote north attacked the compound of an electricity company that powers the area's towns and uranium mines, but government troops fought them off, rebel and military sources said on July 5, 2007.
Northern rebels have made a series of attacks on government and mining interests in the impoverished West African state, killing 15 government soldiers and abducting over 70 more a fortnight ago in their worst raid yet.
Some 30 wounded soldiers were later released.
In the latest attack, late on July 3, 2007, the rebel Niger Movement for Justice (MNJ) said its fighters attacked a compound of state-controlled coal mining and power company SONICHAR, which powers Niger's two uranium firms, both part French-owned.
(Reuters July 5, 2007)
NGOs demand immediate removal of radioactive material found in the streets of Akokan
On May 15, 2007, the NGOs CRIIRAD and AGHIR IN MAN demanded the immediate removal of radioactive material found in the streets of Akokan. The material, most likely waste rock from COMINAK's nearby Akouta uranium mine reused for road construction, had been identified between March and May 2007. In the street in front of COMINAK's hospital, radiation levels of up to 100 times background were found on contact with the soil.
> Download CRIIRAD release 15 May 2007 (PDF - in French)
> Download CRIIRAD technical note 07-53, 14 May 2007 (PDF - in French)
Niger government probes reports on health hazards from uranium mines
Niger's government is investigating reports that people living near a uranium mine may have been exposed to dangerous levels of radioactivity.
Local environmental groups say people near Arlit are suffering from diseases as a result of poor safety measures.
French independent nuclear watchdog CRIIRAD said not enough had been done to seal off radioactive scrap metal.
A commission from the government of Niger is meeting some of the local environmental groups to discuss their concerns.
(BBC News May 30, 2006)
Areva/Cogéma receives rather poor rating for environmental issues at Niger uranium mines
A corporate social responsibility rating of Areva/Cogéma's Niger mining subsidiaries Somaïr and Cominak produced a rather poor Level 2 in the environmental area.
The rating on a 4-level scale (with 4 being the best rating) was performed by rating agency Vigeo .
Level 2 stands for "Prudent: The company is dealing with the risks at a minimal level". The issues of waste management and rehabiliation of the mining sites were major contributors to the rating at this level.
Other areas rated were human rights, human resources, customer and supplier relations, and community involvement, with results in the Level 2 to Level 3 range.
(Areva/Cogéma Nov. 21, 2005)
> Download Summary of Evaluation: English · French (PDF - Areva)
Cogéma launches health study at uranium mine sites in Niger
On Nov. 16, 2005, Cogéma launched a health study on the public living in the Arlit region and in communities near AREVA's uranium mines in Niger.
It centers on a clinical audit of the Arlit and Akokan hospitals and on an epidemiological study.
The fact-finding mission has been entrusted to two organizations specializing in epidemiological studies, Gispe and Quanta Medical.
The study should be finalized by the end of December 2005 and its conclusions will be made public.
(Cogéma Nov. 17, 2005)
CRIIRAD releases studies on impacts of uranium mining in Niger
On April 25, 2005, the independent radiation laboratory CRIIRAD released the results of monitoring performed on environmental samples from the uranium mining region in Niger. CRIIRAD found that
- drinking water samples from two wells had global alpha and beta contamination higher than acceptable by WHO standards. The annual dose from consumption of this water is calculated at 0.187 mSv/year,
- Cogéma's release criteria for contaminated metal scrap are not strict enough to prevent radiation doses in excess of 1 mSv/year,
- the site of a Jan. 23, 2004, road transport accident with uranium ore concentrate was not cleaned up appropriately; one month later, the external radiation at the site was still 10 times background,
- the doses received from inhalation of dust and radon released from the mines and the tailings deposits may exceed 1 mSv/year.
> Download: Impact de l'exploitation de l'uranium par les filiales de COGEMA-AREVA au NIGER, Bilan des analyses effectuées par le laboratoire de la CRIIRAD en 2004 et début 2005, 20 Avril 2005: MS Word · RTF · PDF (in French)
A further report released by the organization Sherpa in cooperation with CRIIRAD et al. investigates the health situation of the uranium mine workers in Niger. It is based on interviews with residents, former workers, and medical doctors.
> Download: LA COGEMA AU NIGER, Rapport d'enquête sur la situation des travailleurs de la SOMAÏR et COMINAK, filiales nigériennes du groupe AREVA-COGEMA, 25 avril 2005: MS Word · PDF (in French)
> View CRIIRAD dossier: Niger: mines d'uranium (in French)
IRSN releases study on environmental impacts of Cogéma's uranium mines in Niger
The French Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN) published a study on the environmental impacts of the uranium mines at Arlit and Akouta in Niger. The study, performed at the request of Cogéma, comprised a field trip on May 10 - 15, 2004.
IRSN concludes that the radiation monitoring network set up by Coéma around the mines and tailings deposits all in all conforms to the standards applicable in France. IRSN recommends some improvements to allow for dose calculations for certain population groups, and to track the dispersion of radioactivity by wind.
Doses were calculated for eight population groups (four at each site). For five groups, they are at 0.5 mSv/year or less, for 2 groups at 0.5 - 1 mSv/year, and for one group they exceed 1 mSv/year (probably caused from radon released from a nearby mine vent). IRSN recommends further measurements to identify the cause of the elevated radon levels.
IRSN confirmed the presence of contaminated scrap metal at the market of Arlit originating from the mines. A first rough dose assessment for the scrap merchants showed doses of the order of 1 mSv/year. IRSN recommends to improve the procedures for release of scrap metal, and to recover contaminated material that has already been released.
In a related release of April 20, 2005, COGEMA announced to launch an epidemiologic study in the area, in cooperation with the ministry of health of Niger.
> View IRSN release April 21, 2005 (in French)
> Download report Sites miniers d’uranium de SOMAIR et COMINAK (Niger), Bilan de la mission sur site en mai 2004, appréciation de l’impact radiologique, et avis sur le réseau de surveillance de l’environnement, Rapport DEI/SARG/05-05, IRSN 2005, 71 p. (4.1MB PDF, in French)
Associations' network planning independent inspection tour to Cogéma's uranium mines in Niger
The French network "Sortir du nucléaire" (phase out nuclear) is planning to perform an independent inspection tour to the uranium mines at Arlit and Akouta, run by Cogéma's subsidiaries SOMAÏR and COMINAK.
In 2003, the independent radiation monitoring laboratory CRIIRAD had conducted a field trip to these sites, but the investigations were obstructed by local authorities (see below). Following a TV discussion on Nov. 14, 2004, Mme Lauvergeon, the president of Cogéma's parent company Areva, invited the network "Sortir du nucléaire" to visit the sites in Niger. Since the network wants to pay for the tour on its own account, it is now collecting funds for this purpose.
> View "Sortir du nucléaire" release, Feb. 14, 2005 (in French)
Independent radiation surveys at Niger uranium mines obstructed
On December 2 - 11, 2003, the independent french radiation monitoring laboratory CRIIRAD conducted a field trip to Niger to investigate the radiological conditions around the country's uranium mines at Arlit and Akouta. The mines are operated by Cogema's subsidiaries SOMAÏR and COMINAK.
Since all radiation monitoring equipment was confiscated upon arrival at the Niamey airport, only few investigations could be performed. The team noted the nearly total absence of any form of waste management, with the waste rock deposits and uranium mill tailings dumps exposed, releasing radioactive dust into the environment. Moreover, the team noted the absence of effective restrictions for the reuse of contaminated metal scrap by nearby residents.
(CRIIRAD 18 Dec. 2003)
In a press release dated Dec. 23, 2003, Cogema did not dispute the dust hazard from the open pit mines and the waste rock deposits, but claimed that any dose received by residents would meet the 1 mSv/a standard. Metal scrap would only be released into the public domain after radiation checks; Cogema were, however, working on a program to prevent theft of metal scrap.
> see extra page
Intervention after sulphuric acid spill at Langer Heinrich mine leads to explosions
The spilling of a large quantity of sulphuric acid at the Langer Heinrich uranium mine has raised questions about safety procedures at the mine.
The Namibian was informed that one of the mine's employees had lost his grip on the hose transferring the acid from a truck to a storage facility.
The employee apparently fled to call for help, after which a forklift dumped a large quantity of caustic soda on the spill to neutralise the acid.
The result was explosive, according to the sources.
A series of loud bangs could be heard from a distance, but nobody was injured.
(Namibian Apr. 25, 2008)
Langer Heinrich mine flooded after rainstorm
On March 27, 2008, the open pit of the Langer Heinrich mine was flooded with run-off water from a rainstorm. The pit will not be usable for about one month. During this time, Paladin intends to mine its second pit.
(Allgemeine Zeitung Mar. 31, 2008)
Langer Heinrich mine reaches designed production level
On Jan. 14, 2008, Paladin Energy Ltd announced the the Langer Heinrich operations achieved the stated production target for the December quarter of 2007. Paladin now expects Langer Heinrich to produce at its nameplate design of 2.6 Mlb of uranium oxide U3O8 [1000 t U] for the calendar year 2008.
> View old issues
South African gold/uranium mines causing excessive uranium concentrations in streams and stream sediments
> See here
Regulator withholds report on serious contamination of water and food from mining activities in Gauteng
> See here
The Council for Nuclear Safety (CNS) estimates that
at least 10,000 mineworkers, or roughly one in 20 mineworkers, have
been exposed to radiation levels that exceeded safety limits.
In 1998, according to CNS estimates, 1 000 employees at Harmony Gold
mine were exposed to radiation levels that in some instances were three
times higher than the annual dose limit of 20 mSv a year. At Nigel,
workers were exposed to dose levels of up to 130 mSv a year, or seven
times higher than the allowable limit. (Business Report Oct. 7, 1999)
> View deposit info
Production forecast cut for Dominion Reefs mine
Uranium One slashed its 2008 production forecast for the Dominion mine due to slow underground development.
The mine produced only 171,000 pounds U3O8 [65.8 t U] in 2007 and is scheduled to produce 590,000 pounds [227 t U] in 2008. It was previously estimated to produce 2 million pounds [769 t U] in 2008. The company had been planning to produce an average of 3.8 million pounds [1,462 t U] per year by 2011 from the mine, but further delays will push this timeline back.
(Resource Investor Feb. 21, 2008)
Stormwater dam fails at Dominion Reefs uranium mine
About 100 million litres of water was spilled from Uranium One's Dominion Reefs uranium mine near Klerksdorp on Dec. 8, 2007, when a section of the dam wall broke after a heavy rainstorm.
But Robert van Niekerk, Uranium One vice-president for Africa and Europe, dismissed concerns that the water might be radioactive.
"Preliminary tests on the water in the veld and the Jagspruit have showed that it does not hold any danger for flora and fauna. The quality of the water is consistent with that of the Jagspruit, at any time of the year," said Van Niekerk.
The water in the dam that caved in, was apparently only stormwater.
The walls of the nearby silt (tailings) dam did not break. Van Niekerk said about 58 mm of rain fell in half an hour in the afternoon of Dec. 8, 2007.
There were also heavy rains earlier in the week.
The dam level rose rapidly. When the dam overflowed, a section of the wall caved in.
(Beeld Dec. 10, 2007)
> View older issues
AngloGold offers to process waste containing uranium for rivals
AngloGold Ashanti was "happy" to process mine waste containing uranium for rivals as record prices spur them to extract the nuclear fuel, the gold producer has said.
"We'd be happy to use our plant to toll-treat their material on a commercial basis," chief executive Bobby Godsell said.
AngloGold, which produces uranium as a by-product of gold mining, owns one of South Africa's only operational plants that can process the metal. Smaller rivals Gold Fields, Harmony Gold Mining and First Uranium are investigating ways to extract uranium left behind in waste dumps across the Witwatersrand and Free State gold fields.
(Business Report May 4, 2007)
AngloGold plans uranium output increase
AngloGold Ashanti may raise annual uranium production to between 1,000 and 1,100 metric tons from about 700 tons currently, Steve Lenahan, a spokesman for the Johannesburg-based company, said in an interview.
The company currently produces uranium as a byproduct of gold mining at its Great Noligwa mine in South Africa and expects to boost output when its Moab Khotsong mine opens.
The company is also studying whether to upgrade a processing plant so that it can process ore from the Kopanang dump, Lenahan said.
(Business Report April 4, 2006)
AngloGold Ashanti is planning to increase the amount of uranium produced as a byproduct from its gold mining operations in the Vaal River area.
AngloGold plans to increase its current production of 900 to 1,000 tonnes of uranium a year by developing its new Moab Khotsong gold mine, where it expects to move into areas of higher-grade uranium.
(MineWeb Jan. 20, 2005)
Illegal uranium mining in Afghanistan unabated
Smugglers and unscrupulous elements are busy illegally excavating mines to plunder Afghanistan's uranium and gold reserves in Kohistan district of the northern Faryab province.
Officials and residents charged on Sep. 7, 2005, the uranium brought huge windfalls to the unauthorized excavators.
Officials at the Ministry of Mines and Industries admitted "irresponsible elements" were digging the site for precious metals. They said they were trying to prevent as soon as possible the brazen plunder of the assets belonging to the Afghan government and people.
A Kohistan-based mineral expert told Pajhwok Afghan News rapacious men, with no expertise and equipment, dug out large quantities of prized metals including uranium, gold, copper, lead and azure.
The glowing stones, often mishandled by the callow men, were smuggled to an unknown location, alleged Eng. Khan Mirza, who deplored the massive reserves were being exploited in a non-professional way.
The brazen practice was rampant during previous governments as well, he said while stressing an early end to what he called a loss of impoverished Afghanistan's abundant mineral resources.
Tucked away in the jagged Hindukush mountain range, Siku mines are situated 148 kilometres southeast of the provincial capital city of Maimana.
(Pajhwok Afghan News/Asia Pulse, Sept 9, 2005)
Yellow Cake truck overturns in Andhra Pradesh
A trailer transporting a container with 62 drums of radioactive yellow cake from Jaduguda in Jharkhand to the Nuclear Fuel Complex at Hyderabad overturned at Narsannapeta in Srikakulam district in Andhra Pradesh on the morning of July 25, 2007. Police officials at Narsannapeta said the trailer overturned and fell into the fields when it swerved to avoid a bus overtaking it on the wrong side.
According to S.K. Malhotra, Head, Environment and Public Awareness Division, Department of Atomic Energy, there was no spillage. DAE officials found no change in the background radiation-levels, Mr. Malhotra said. Jawans of the Central Industrial Security Force were escorting the trailer.
(The Hindu July 26, 2007)
Panel to probe alleged illegal uranium mining in Jharkhand
A two-member enquiry committee has been set up by the Jharkhand Government on March 23, 2005, to probe the alleged illegal mining of uranium in the State.
(The Hindu March 24, 2005)
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The Turamdih uranium mill was inaugurated on June 25, 2007. The plant has a processing capacity of 3,000 tonnes of uranium ore per day. The construction cost was Rs 3.5 billion [US$ 86 million]. The plant will process the uranium ore extracted from the Turamdih and Mohuldih underground mines and the Banduhurang open cast mine.
(Times of India, June 25, 2007)
The East Sighbhum district administration has served a showcause notice on the Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL) for unauthorised mining in Fuljhari, Turamdih and another two new mines in Keuradungrui.
According to East Singhbhum Deputy Commissioner (DC) Nitin Kulkarni, UCIL illegally started mining, while the applications for mining are still pending with the State Government.
(Ranchi Express Oct. 16, 2006)
According to UCIL chairman-cum-managing director Ramendra Gupta, the Turamdih ore processing plant is to be commissioned by December, 2006. (PTI June 6, 2006)
The construction of the Turamdih uranium mill has begun and should be completed by 2006-2007. (PTI, March 19, 2005)
The new Turamdih uranium mine was opened on Nov. 9, 2002. (Times of India Nov. 2002)
Uranium One to invest in Russian sulfuric acid plant as backup for its in-situ leach uranium mines in Kazakhstan
Uranium One Inc. said it plans to invest around $20 million in a Russian sulphuric acid plant as a back-up to secure supply.
"We intend to invest in a plant in Russia as a source of secure supply should there be another disruption in Kazakhstan," chief executive Neal Froneman told Reuters in an interview.
(Reuters Jan. 8, 2008)
Kazatomprom to build new sulphuric acid production plant to meet unfulfilled demand of uranium in-situ leach mines
Kazakhstan's state nuclear company plans to build a 500,000-tonne-per-year sulphuric acid plant by 2010 to meet a shortfall of the main chemical reagent used in its uranium production. Kazatomprom, the world's third-largest uranium producer, said it would build the plant in southern Kazakhstan to serve two new mines being built in Kyzylorda region, which together will mine 5,000 tonnes a year of uranium.
"Construction will begin in March 2008. We plan to put the plant into production in the second quarter of 2010," an official from Kazatomprom's press service said by telephone.
(Reuters Nov. 13, 2007)
On November 7, 2007, public hearings took place in Zhanakorgan (Kyzylorda region) on the project of construction of sulfuric acid plant on the territory of Zhanakorgan area and the estimation of environmental impact in accordance with the requirements of the Ecological Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
(Kazatomprom Nov. 13, 2007)
China to get stake in uranium mine in Kazakhstan
China will get a stake in a 2,000-ton-a-year uranium mine in Kazakhstan in exchange for its share in a uranium-processing business, state-owned Kazatomprom said.
Output may even exceed 2,000 metric tons because of rising Chinese demand, Kazatomprom President Moukhtar Dzhakishev said at a press conference. The Kazakh uranium miner will get access to Chinese assets, he said, without elaborating.
Kazatomprom said it signed agreements in Beijing with China Guangdong Nuclear Power Group Co and China National Nuclear Corp, the country's largest producers of atomic energy.
The Chinese companies will create joint ventures with Kazatomprom to produce uranium, while enabling Kazatomprom to invest in the Chinese nuclear industry, the Kazakh miner said after the signing. The uranium will be sold to China as nuclear fuel, it said.
(China Daily Nov. 13, 2007)
Fire at sulfuric acid plant affects uranium production
A fire at a sulfuric acid production plant has led to rationing in Kazakhstan. KazAtomProm said supply problems should be resolved by the end of the year but it might have to revise uranium production forecasts for early 2008.
Sulfuric acid is used as the main chemical reagent in in-situ leaching (ISL) uranium production, which is able to extract uranium with no need for excavation. In addition to disruption by fire at one plant, the start-up of some new facilities has also been delayed. The result has been rationing of acid, which could continue into the second quarter of 2008.
The problem is particularly important for Kazakh uranium mining, which predominantly uses ISL and requires large amounts of non-reusable sulfuric acid to counter the neutralising effect of the high carbonate content of Kazakh orebodies.
(WNA Nov. 5, 2007)
European Union plans to procure more uranium from Kazakhstan
The EU has put forward plans for procuring more uranium from Kazakhstan for Europe's nuclear industry.
The EU's executive body has urged EU governments to agree a deal worth 500 million euros ($630 million) to help boost uranium supplies from Kazakhstan.
Kazakhstan has the world's fifth-largest reserves of uranium.
According to the EU, it currently accounts for only 3% of uranium imports into the EU.
Any agreement between the EU and Kazakhstan must ultimately be ratified by EU member states.
(BBC News Oct. 24, 2006)
Kazatomprom to obtain shares in Russian and French enrichment plants in exchange for uranium deliveries?
Kazatomprom is conducting negotiations with Russian and French companies to obtain shares in uranium enrichment plants in these countries in exchange for uranium deliveries. It is not clear yet whether Kazatomprom's share in Russian plants will be in existing or in new enrichment plants. The negotiations are to be completed by early 2007.
(Kazakhstan Today May 23, 2006; Interfax Kazakhstan May 24, 2006)
In this context, it is highly interesting that the French Eurodif gaseous diffusion enrichment plant is to be replaced by a centrifuge enrichment plant using Urenco technology (view details).
Kazakhstan exporting uranium to China since 2001
Kazatomprom started uranium exports to China four years ago, supplying the first foreign uranium to China. Kazakhstan and China now plan to extend their strategic partnership in the nuclear fuel area. (Kazatomprom Dec. 23, 2005)
In 2007, Areva plans to invest US$ 30 million into the Katco joint venture for the further development of the Muyunkum uranium in-situ leach mine. From 2004 to 2006, Areva invested a total of US$ 200 million. The planned production is 900 tons of uranium in 2007, 1500 tons in 2008, and 2000 tons in 2009.
The uranium is produced by the method of acidic underground leaching at a depth of 500 meters.
(Kazakhstan Today Dec. 8, 2006)
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New uranium ISL refinery completed
Kazatomprom commissioned a new refinery facility for the in-situ leach production of uranium at the Central Mining Group in southern Kazakhstan ahead of schedule. The in-situ leach plant has an initial annual capacity of 1700 tU, with a final capacity of 2000 tU. The new facility is to process Central Mining Group’s own uranium production and additional quantities from nearby mines including KATCO joint venture.
(Kazatomprom Nov. 7, 2003)
The plant, located in the village of Taukent in Suzak District in Southern Kazakhstan, was inaugurated on Feb. 25, 2004. The plant will process half of the current Kazakh uranium production, with the other half coming from the Ulba Metallurgical plant. (Kazakhstan Today Feb. 26, 2004)
North Korea offers export of uranium to Russia
North Korea has offered Russia exclusive rights to its natural uranium deposits in exchange for open support at the six-way talks on Pyongyang's nuclear weapons, a Japanese daily said.
Citing Russian government sources, the Tokyo Shimbun report said Moscow and Pyongyang had been in secret talks since 2002 over a plan for Russia to import the uranium and enrich it before selling it on as nuclear fuel to China and Vietnam, in what the sources said would be a highly profitable venture.
(Reuters Dec. 3, 2006)
Terrorists eyeing uranium mines in Central Asia
International terrorist organizations are trying to gain access to uranium mines in Central Asia, the head of the anti-terrorism center for post-Soviet states said on Sep. 12, 2007.
Andrei Novikov, who heads the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Anti-Terrorism Center (ATC), said the ATC primarily concerned over "the security of uranium-producing enterprises in Kyrgyzstan."
However, he said, the security services of the Central Asian country had stepped up measures to prevent terrorists from entering sensitive facilities, and that the ATC's office in the country is cooperating with the security services.
(RIA Novosti Sep. 12, 2007)
> View plant info
Kara Balta mill resumes uranium production
Kyrgyzstan's Kara-Baltinsky uranium-producing enterprise produced 36.4 tonnes of uranium in the first quarter of 2008, a source with the mining industry department at the Kyrgyz State Agency for Geology and Mineral Resources told Interfax.
The enterprise, in which UralPlatina Holding that consolidated the Renova Group's gold mining assets acquired a 72.3% stake in February 2007, did not produce uranium since 2005 given a lack of resources.
The enterprise plans to produce 50 tonnes of uranium in April 2008.
(Interfax Apr. 25, 2008)
> View older issues · decommissioning issues
Russia consolidates uranium production assets in new company
A founding treaty to set up the Uranium Mining Company was signed on November 2, 2006, at Russia's Federal Agency for Nuclear Power (Rosatom).
TVEL will contribute three mining assets to the company: Hiagda, Priargunskoye Production Mining Chemical Association, and Dalur. Techsnabexport will contribute the Elkonskoye deposit in Yakutia and its share in the Russian-Kyrgyz-Kazakh JV Zarechnoye. In addition, the company may include Kazakhstan's Yuzhnoye Zarechnoye and Budyonnovskoye deposits, and set up JV Akbastau to develop them. Additionally, Techsnabexport is continuing talks to start up a uranium operation in Uzbekistan.
The new mining company will do several things: follow up exploration and exploitation of deposits located in Russia and development of the country's raw materials, including geological prospecting. The company is also expected to set up joint ventures to produce uranium in and outside the country, and import uranium.
In addition, it will channel Russian and foreign investments into uranium production. The new company may form a partnership with western investors to develop uranium deposits.
(RIAN Nov. 8, 2006)
Resettlement planned of 2000 residents living near Krasnokamensk uranium mine
Rosatom is planning to finance the resettlement of two thousand residents from ecologically hazardous Oktyabrskoe settlement located right over the uranium mine of the Priargun enterprise. Kiriyenko said his agency will allocate 600 million rubles [US$ 23.2 million], while Chita regional administration will earmark another 240 million [US$ 9.3 million].
"We shall open financing by the end of 2007 and the issue has to be resolved by the end of 2009. The construction of a new settlement is the only way to resolve the problem," Kiriyenko said.
(Itar Tass June 1, 2007)
Production increase expected for Krasnokamensk uranium mine
Priargunskoye will have to raise uranium production in the Krasnokamensk area from 3160 to 5000 t/a U in 2015. This shall be accomplished by new production from No.6 mine (1000 t/a) and No.8 mine (400 t/a). 15 billion rubles [US$ 580 million] of investments were necessary to develop and modernize the mining enterprise, according to head of Rosatom nuclear agency Sergey Kiriyenko. The explored uranium reserves in the Chita region comprise 144 thousand tons and prospecting can add another 40 thousand tons.
(RIA Novosti May 31, 2007; Itar Tass June 1, 2007)
TVEL seeks funding for extension of Krasnokamensk uranium mine
TVEL has applied to the Russian Economic Development and Trade Ministry for an allocation of 4.2 billion rubles [US$ 155 million] over four to five years from the Investment Fund to finance uranium mining at the Priargun mining complex in the Chita region, in particular the No.6 mine, "which will be developing this year and in the years to come." The investment in Priargun will total 5.6 billion rubles [US$ 207 million], of which TVEL will provide 1.4 billion rubles [US$ 52 million].
(Interfax May 30, 2006)
Production to almost double
Under the Natural Resources Ministry's plan, production at the country's largest uranium producer, the Priargunsky plant in Krasnokamensk, is set to almost double from 3,300 tons to more than 5,500 tons per year.
(Moscow Times Feb. 28, 2006)
Production shortfall at Navoi uranium processing plant
The Navoi Mining and Metals Plant
produced 2,260 tonnes of uranium in 2006, which is 1.8% less than in
2005 (2,301 tonnes), an Uzbek government source told Interfax.
The decline in the uranium production was due to lack of financing
and technological problems resulting from it, the source said.
In particular, there were irregularities in the production of
sulfuric acid, which is used in uranium production, the source said. (Interfax Jan. 9, 2007)
Uranium production at Uzbekistan's Navoi Mining and Metals
Plant could be reduced by 1.8% in 2006 from the 2,301 tonnes of uranium in 2005,
a source in government circles told Interfax.
"According to forecasts, uranium mining this year could fall by
approximately 40 tonnes due to technical problems of an industrial
nature and insufficient funding," the source said.
(Interfax Dec. 8, 2006)
Navoi plant regains nearly full uranium output
After a production cut back by 23% in 2003, the Navoi uranium processing plant regained nearly full output (500 t) in the first quarter of 2004. The 2003 cut back had been caused from shortage of sulfuric acid supply and from worn equipment. The production increase had been possible with an upgrading of the sulfuric acid plant and the replacement of old equipment in the processing plant, financed by a $6 million loan said to be provided by Nukem Inc. (USA).
(Interfax April 20, 2004)
Navoi plans new attempt to raise uranium production
Uzbekistan is aiming to boost uranium mine-output (from 2,100 tonnes in 2002) 40% to 3,000 tonnes annually by 2010. (Interfax 23 Oct. 2003)
More than 50% Capacity Increase at Navoi plant planned
Details of a US$1 billion programme to modernise gold and
uranium producer Navoi Integrated
Mining and Metallurgical Plant have been announced. The
project would include new equipment enabling uranium production
to increase from the current 2000 tU/yr to between 3000 and 3500
tU/yr within two years. Discussions on the joint venture being
set up by Navoi and Nukem are reported to be
nearing completion. [UI News Briefing 96/27]
> see extra page
Activists open "uranium mine" in front of Brussels head office of pro-nuclear Belgian party
On July 6, 2007, activists from Friends of the Earth constructed a "uranium mine" in front of the head offices of the Christian Democratic party (CD&V) on the Wetstraat in Brussels. The action coincided with the release of a report on the environmental and human rights impacts of the uranium mining that supplies the nuclear fuels for the Belgian nuclear power plants of Doel and Tihange.
> View details
2006 World uranium production decreased by 5%
In 2006, the world uranium production of 39,655 t U was 5% lower than in 2005 (41,702 t U).
> View WNA Uranium production figures
> See also Uranium Maps
