Introduction

Increasing European demand for nuclear energy is driving a greater demand for uranium from which nuclear energy is derived. Uranium is important for the EU as fuel for its nuclear power plants which produce around 30% of the European electricity.

As a result, various large uranium mining and milling companies are exploring and exploiting Africa’s uranium resources. Uranium mining and milling, however, is not without risks and hazards. Often African countries have very little benefits as a result of unfair mining contracts and, amongst others, severe environmental degradation, workers’ health risks, and a negative social impact on nearby mining communities are connected to uranium mining and milling.