Uranium from Africa
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June 2011 Uranium from Africa Mitigation of uranium mining impacts on society and environment by industry and governments WISE & SOMO Amsterdam, June 2011 1 Uranium from Africa Colophon Uranium from Africa Mitigation of Uranium mining impacts on society and environment by industry and governments June 2011 Author: Fleur Scheele (WISE) With contributions from Joseph Wilde-Ramsing & Esther de Haan (SOMO) Layout design: Annelies Vlasblom ISBN: 978-90-71284-82-3 Financed by: This publication has been made possible through funding from the Dutch Ministry of Environment (VROM) and Cordaid. The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of WISE and SOMO and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the Dutch government. Published by: World Information Service on Energy (WISE) Stichting Onderzoek Multinationale Ondernemingen (SOMO) Centre for Research on Multinational Corporations World Information Service on Energy WISE -Amsterdam P.O. Box 59636 1040 LC Amsterdam The Netherlands Tel: +31 (20) 612 6368 Email: [email protected] Website: www.antenna.nl/wise Stichting Onderzoek Multinationale Ondernemingen Centre for Research on Multinational Corporations Sarphatistraat 30 1018 GL Amsterdam The Netherlands Tel: + 31 (20) 6391291 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.somo.nl This document is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution- NonCommercial-NoDerivateWorks 2.5 License. To view a copy of this license visit: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.5 2 Contents 1. Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 5 2. Research Question and Methodology ........................................................................................ 6 3. About WISE and SOMO .............................................................................................................. 10 4. Energy, Uranium, and Mining .................................................................................................... 11 4.1 Nuclear Energy in the Future Energy Mix ..................................................................................... 11 4.2 Uranium Resources and Demand ................................................................................................ 14 4.3 Uranium Mining, Milling, and Associated Risks ............................................................................ 21 5. Namibia ........................................................................................................................................ 31 5.1 Industry response ......................................................................................................................... 32 5.1.1 Rio Tinto ........................................................................................................................................ 32 5.1.2 Paladin Energy Limited ................................................................................................................. 38 5.1.3 AREVA .......................................................................................................................................... 42 5.2 Government Response ................................................................................................................. 44 5.3 NGO Response ............................................................................................................................. 46 5.4 Namibia Conclusions .................................................................................................................... 50 6. South Africa ................................................................................................................................. 53 6.1 Industry Response ........................................................................................................................ 57 6.1.1 First Uranium ................................................................................................................................ 57 6.1.2 AngloGold Ashanti ........................................................................................................................ 66 6.2 Government Response ................................................................................................................. 70 6.3 NGO response .............................................................................................................................. 71 6.4 South Africa Conclusions .............................................................................................................. 74 7. Central African Republic ............................................................................................................ 75 7.1 Industry Response ........................................................................................................................ 76 7.1.1 AREVA .......................................................................................................................................... 76 7.2 Government Response ................................................................................................................. 78 7.3 NGO Response ............................................................................................................................. 81 7.4 Conclusions Central African Republic .......................................................................................... 83 8. Canada and Australia ................................................................................................................. 84 9. Conclusions ................................................................................................................................ 88 10. Acknowledgements .................................................................................................................... 91 11. Abbreviations .............................................................................................................................. 92 12. Literature ..................................................................................................................................... 94 Appendix I ............................................................................................................................................ 97 Appendix II ......................................................................................................................................... 102 Appendix III ........................................................................................................................................ 103 3 Uranium from Africa Abstract Uranium mining operations have high impacts on environment and society, and can lead to deterioration of health of workers and communities. Uranium mining activities are increasing in Africa, where mining is not always strictly regulated and controlled. Mitigation of negative impacts from uranium mines by national governments and international mining companies can have a positive effect on society and environment. This report assesses what mitigation measures governments and industry are taking in Namibia, South Africa, and the Central African Republic. Practices are compared with Canada and Australia, where regulation is more strict. 4 1. Introduction Uranium, a natural resource which is used for nuclear energy production, is extracted from the earth in uranium mines located in various countries worldwide. Nearly twenty per cent of the world‟s mined uranium is produced in Africa, and this percentage is expected to increase in the future. As uranium mining is associated with various negative externalities such as environmental pollution and deterioration of health, intensified uranium production in Africa can lead to a wide variety of hazards. Preventing and managing the multiple hazards is a complicated task which requires specific knowledge, efforts, and financial means available in all responsible stakeholders. It can be questioned if all of these factors are available in the African states which are allowing uranium mining operations on their land. This report analyses what mitigation measures are taken by multinational uranium mining companies and African governments to minimise any negative impacts on environment and society caused by uranium mining operations. This report is precedented by a March 2011 study entitled Radioactive Revenues. Financial Flows Between Uranium Mining Companies and African Governments, by SOMO authors Albert ten Kate and Joseph Wilde-Ramsing, published by SOMO and WISE. The two reports are supplementary: together, they cover general policies, economic, environmental, social, and labour-related aspects of uranium mining operations in Africa. The reports intend to create awareness among stakeholders about the impacts of their decisions on energy production, to call for responsible behaviour in energy producers, to emphasise the importance of increased awareness about the commodity chain, and to inform civil society and governments about the relevant issues. Introduction 5 Uranium from Africa 2. Research Question and Methodology Uranium mining is inevitably associated with hazards. If these remain unaddressed and mismanaged, the negative externalities1 neglected, uranium mining invariably has great negative impacts on societies and ecosystems. Maximum control, proper government action, strong laws and stringent law enforcement, and responsible corporate behaviour can