New Dossier Online: Uranium Mining in Africa

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. About 18 % of the worlds uranium production comes from Africa and this is likely to increase over the coming decade. Exploration activities by foreign companies are increasing and production is expected to increase as well due to current development of new mines such as in Namibia, Niger and the Central African Republic.

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.

Therefore, this dossier describes the current situation and potential negative and positive impacts of uranium mining activities in Africa. The dossier will offer a brief but complete package of useful information as well as many links to background information. In addition, as the EU is a large importer of uranium from Africa, the dossier also offers various ways in which the EU should promote sustainable uranium mining in Africa. The EU should put its money where its mouth is and live up to its promises to support Africa on its way to sustainable natural resource management which will help fuelling development on the continent.

Click here to enter the dossier "Uranium Mining in Africa"