Front-end Security: Prudent Approaches to Securing Uranium in Mining, Milling and Conversion

While the radiological risk associated with source materials such as uranium ore concentrates (UOC) is lower than for highly enriched uranium or plutonium, it is important for a nuclear security regime and nuclear security culture to extend across the entire nuclear fuel cycle. With limited international guidance for UOC than other stages of the fuel cycle, approaches to front-end nuclear security vary widely. A look at 16 different supplier and consumer countries demonstrates how practical security measures against the unauthorised removal or misuse of UOC provides additional opportunities for detection and how a risk-based, graded approach can strengthen 'uranium security.'. (author)