Ensuring safe and secure passage for the nuclear industry's vital natural resource (Arabic Edition)

Uranium shipments are like VIP travellers. They go by land, sea or air and have layovers like any other traveller, but their global influence and appeal to criminals means every detail of their journey is designed to ensure safety and security each step of the way. "Uranium is only produced by a few countries and is required to produce fuel for most nuclear power plants worldwide, which is why it's a high-value, strategic global commodity," said Robert Floyd, Director General of the Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office (ASNO). "Given the need to transport uranium globally, it is important that high standards are sustained internationally." More than 80% of the uranium used worldwide is produced by just five countries. Of the 31 countries that operate 450 nuclear power reactors, few produce their own uranium. This means that more than 50 000 tonnes of uranium ore concentrate are typically shipped each year.