The global uranium market is undergoing a major expansion due to an increase in global demand for uranium, the highest uranium prices in the last 20 years and recognition of the potential greenhouse benefits of nuclear power.
Australia holds approximately 34 per cent of the world’s uranium resources (recoverable at costs under US$80/kg U) and is well placed to benefit from the expansion in the global uranium market. Increasing exploration activity is resulting in the discovery and delineation of further high grade uranium deposits and extending Australia’s strategic position as a reliable and safe supplier of low cost uranium.
In recognition of this, the Uranium Industry Framework (UIF) was initiated in August 2005. The objective of the UIF was to identify opportunities for, and impediments to, the further development of the Australian uranium mining industry over the short, medium and longer term while ensuring world’s best environmental, health and safety standards. The UIF was developed in partnership with the South Australian and Northern Territory Governments, industry and other stakeholders.
The UIF contributes to raising public awareness of the location and extent of Australia’s uranium resources, how Australian uranium is used overseas, and what measures are in place to ensure uranium mining does not adversely impact on human health or the environment.
Progress to date
A high-level Steering Group oversaw the development phase of the UIF and the UIF Steering Group Report
[PDF, 1.14MB] was released in November 2006. In January 2007, an Implementation Group was formed to work through the UIF recommendations and guide the removal of impediments faced by the Australian uranium industry. The Implementation Group is chaired by Mr Mark Chalmers, Managing Director of Uranium Equities Limited, with representatives from industry, indigenous organisations and Commonwealth, state and territory governments.
The Implementation Group has four Working Groups:
- Regulation (including NT Royalties)
- Indigenous Engagement
- Transport
- Skills, Training and Education issues.
Communication and Stewardship issues are standing items on the Implementation Group’s meeting agenda, with this work being undertaken by the Australian Uranium Association.
Notable achievements to date include:
- development of UIF High Level Principles for Indigenous Engagement [PDF, 13KB]
- assisting the Central Land Council conduct a series of road shows to inform Traditional Owners of issues relating to uranium exploration and mining
- development of a mapping model for current and future uranium mines that identifies points of delay and denial in the shipment of uranium ore concentrates
- publication of an information leaflet Safe and Effective Transport of Uranium [PDF, 361KB] on regulatory requirements, safe handling and means of mitigating potential risks in the transport of uranium and other radioactive materials
- publication of the paper Resource Estimates for In Situ Leach Uranium Deposits [PDF, 310KB] and Reporting under the JORC Code to assist uranium exploration companies comply with Australian Stock Exchange requirements for reporting of reserves under the Joint Ore Reserves Committee (JORC) Code.
Current and Future activities
The Implementation Group is progessing the following activities:
- development of a national dose register to collect and maintain workers' records
- streamlining and harmonising regulatory regimes to enable efficient and effective regulation of uranium mines
- application of a uniform uranium royalty regime in the Northern Territory for mines on both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal land
- production of a DVD to facilitate discussion of uranium exploration and mining issues with Indigenous communities
- publication of an Indigenous Employment directory to promote Indigenous companies providing services to the NT mining industry
- establishing nationally accredited radiation safety training programs for various levels of radiation safety workers
- working with various stakeholders to provide information and address concerns about the transport of uranium and instances of denials and delays.
Further information
For further information please contact the Uranium Industry Framework Secretariat via the Department’s Contact Us webpage.