A Milestones Approach to Uranium Mining and Development: An IAEA Initiative

Many IAEA Member States without any current uranium production activities have expressed interest in uranium mining, in order to meet their or other countries' energy needs. To introduce or reintroduce uranium mining and processing, a wide range of issues needs to be considered. With the assistance of experts from around the world, the IAEA is preparing a guide setting out a milestones approach to the uranium production cycle. This will assist Member States to take a systematic and measured approach to responsible uranium mining and milling. The information in the guide will be provided within the context of other IAEA guidance and materials relevant to development of the uranium production cycle, including the IAEA Safety Standards Series. Although not the emphasis of the guide, the vital importance of appropriate radiation protection, security and non-proliferation safeguards is acknowledged.