NEA Mandates and Structures


Expert Group on Uranium Mining and Economic Development (UMED)

Chair(s): Keith CUNNINGHAM, Canada
Secretary:  Luminita GRANCEA
(luminita.grancea@oecd-nea.org)
Vice-Chair(s): Geordan GRAETZ, Australia
Member(s):All NEA member countries*
Russia (Suspended*)
*Russian Federation suspended pursuant to a decision of the OECD Council.
Full participant(s): European Commission
Under the NEA Statute
Observer(s)(International Organisation): International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
By agreement
Date of creation:24 April 2017
End of mandate:24 April 2021

Mandate (Document reference):

  • NDC - Final Programme of Work for 2017-2018 [NEA/NDC(2017)1]
  • Minutes of 67th NDC meeting [NEA/NDC/M(2016)2 - in preparation]
  • Mandate of the Expert Group on Uranium Mining and Economic Development (UMED) [NEA/NDC(2017)4]
  • Extension of the mandate of the Expert Group on Uranium Mining and Economic Development (UMED) [NEA/NDC/M(2018)2]

Mandate (Document extract):

Extract from document NEA/NDC(2017)4

Mandate (mission and objectives)

While the environmental and radioprotection issues of uranium mining are usually at the forefront of stakeholder engagement, there is usually little public discussion about the influence on economic development. A mining project can bring benefits to the local and national economies including economic development, jobs, investment in infrastructure, mining product exports, royalties and tax revenues, education and medical care.

Mining in general is a critical economic driver in many countries, accounting for a major percentage of foreign direct investment, mineral exports and government revenue. These contributions can act as an economic catalyst for supporting the development of communities, regions and whole economies.

The Expert Group will analyse the potential contribution of Uranium Mining in the economic and social development. Are the Uranium activities managed to ensure a positive benefit to the local / national economies? Case studies in various countries will be examined to understand the uranium mining impact on economic development, jobs, infrastructure, education and medical care.

As there is a growing debate about the distribution of mineral wealth for the industry, the Expert Group analysis could be a useful tool for the government policy makers and regulators, the industry and the local communities to ensure that the development potential of uranium mining can be maximised.

Working methods (organisational structure and mode of operation and co-operation)

Members of the expert group will be nominated by the members of the Committee for Technical and Economic Studies on Nuclear Energy Development and Fuel Cycle (NDC). Nominated experts will meet on a regular basis (approximately once a year). Collaboration with other international mining organisations (other metals than uranium) or industry representatives can be envisaged following agreement of the expert group Chair.

Deliverables

Nominated experts will produce a report with NEA staff support.