The Nuclear Energy Agency and the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development reported in 2022 that Reducing carbon emissions in response to the threat of climate change is one of society’s greatest challenges, a global issue that requires urgent action. There is no doubt that the nuclear sector has an important role to play as it provides large-scale, low-carbon baseload electricity.
Uranium is the raw material used to produce fuel for nuclear p ower plants, and with an expected rise in the number of nuclear reactors and the commercialization of new designs, demand for uranium is forecast to rise, boosting uranium mining activities. Mining has numerous economic, social and environmental impacts that can be positive or adverse for communities, ecosystems and economies. As the uranium industry addresses negative perceptions and legacies associated with past activities, the environmental, socioeconomic and governance aspects of the uranium mining life cycle are gaining increased attention from investors, communities, regulators and other stakeholders.
While environmental and human health and safety concerns often dominate stakeholder engagement programmes and public conversations about uranium operations, less public discussion and analytical research are typically devoted to the socio-economic aspects. This was the starting point of this report.
Examining case studies from several countries helps clarify how the numerous activities related to uranium mining affect various aspects of socio-economic development – including employment, supply chain investments, exports, taxes and royalties, innov ation, infrastructure, education and medical care. This report’s inventory of leading practices is intended to inform public debate on uranium mine development and provide policymakers with a framework of
approaches to maximise the social and economic benefits of uranium mining projects.
While this report’s case studies confirm that uranium mining is a powerful vehicle to bring technologies and skills to developed and developing countries, including remote regions, governments need to enact proactive policies to ensure that uranium mining projects contribute to sustainable social and economic development and avoid the negative impacts.
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