Technical Meeting on Best Practices in Environmental Management of Uranium Mining and Processing

Introduction

Uranium is the primary fuel for nuclear reactors to generate electricity, and its production involves several stages, including exploration, mining, processing, and the eventual decommissioning of production sites.??

Based on national policies for clean energy and projected growth in demand for electricity in response global greenhouse gas emissions and population growth, there is an expectation of nuclear power growth worldwide. To meet the needs of the nuclear power industry, uranium provides will need to increase production. The uranium production industry has an opportunity and a responsibility to be proactive in contributing practical solutions to the significant environmental challenges facing society, such as climate change, natural resource conservation and reducing waste and pollution.?

The uranium mining and processing can have positive environmental, economic and social impacts. However, improperly managed activities can have adverse impacts, and in the worst case, can result in significant negative social and/or environmental effects. The recognition and adoption of best practice principles is considered a fundamental cornerstone to manage the adverse impacts of operations, for sustainable development and for public acceptance of uranium mining and processing.??

Best practice principles should be applied to all aspects of uranium production from the exploration and initial development phase through to post-closure stewardship. This includes the development of regulatory frameworks and site/operation specific methodologies that integrate global and local knowledge and enables operators to achieve production goals while minimizing social, environmental and economic impacts.?

In 2004, the IAEA assisted in the organization of a Technical Meeting on Best Practices in Environment Management of Uranium Production Facilities, in Saskatoon, Canada, and subsequently released IAEA Nuclear Energy Series, No. NF-T-1.2, Best Practice in Environmental Management of Uranium Mining, in 2010. Best practices, by nature, are not static but continuously evolve in response to new technology, improved understanding and awareness of environmental impacts, expanding regulatory requirements and increased public expectations. Over the last 20 years, environmental legislation has continued to be strengthened and standards of environmental management have become performance indicators in corporate stewardship. In response there has been necessary evolution in the level of environmental practices being developed and implemented by the uranium production industry.??

The main focus of the event is environmental management practices and principles being developed and/or implemented in uranium mining and processing operations, that are most effective in improving the environmental performance, minimizing adverse impacts on the environment and society and bringing benefits to local and national communities and economies.?

Objectives

The purpose of the event is to provide a forum for Member States to share expert knowledge and best practices on environmental management of uranium mining and processing.??

Target Audience

The Technical Meeting is intended to bring together expert environmental practitioners, representing national authorities, governments and organizations involved in safe exploration, operation, and decommissioning and remediation of uranium mining and processing sites.??