Australian uranium framework

Friday, 12 January 2007 The report of a steering group set up by the Australian resources minister has identified salient issues relating to the future of uranium mining in Australia.

In August 2005, Australian Industry Minister Ian MacFarlane initiated the development of the Uranium Industry Framework (UIF) saying it would "examine all sides of the issue through a science-based approach developed in partnership with relevant State and Territory governments, industry, indigenous and community stakeholders."

MacFarlane's ministry assembled what he called a "high-level steering group, of members with uranium mining, management, indigenous, and safety experience and interest" to oversee the development of the framework. It's final report addressed two main concerns:

• The opportunities available to Australia in holding about a third of the world's known uranium resources
• The impediments to the country in exploiting those resources

Of it's 20 recommendations, the first is that the industry "establish a uranium stewardship platform as the basis for its engagement with the global uranium stewardship programs." Stewardship programs are meant to establish a means of assurance that a given resource is used in a responsible and environmentally acceptable manner throughout its lifecycle.

Other recommendations included: that a single body should oversee the transport of uranium within Australia; that government and industry should develop a strategy to address denial of uranium shipments and join multilateral discussions; and that national and regional governments should develop a comprehensive science-based information package and a set of "high-level principles" for the engagement of indigenous peoples.

Further information

The Report of the Uranium Industry Framework Steering Group