nuclear-news

Is Tanzania ready for the catastrophe of uranium mining?

Analyst gives caution on uranium mining safety The Citizen, Tanzania
31 December 2012  By Zephania Ubwani, The Citizen Bureau Chief
 Arusha. Stringent measures must be taken to ensure that uranium
mining does not compromise the safety of people and the environment,
an academician has suggested.
Dr Priva M. Moshi of Tumaini University, Masoka Campus in Moshi, said
Tanzania must learn from other countries on the necessary safety
measures needed in uranium mining before commencement of extraction of
the radio-active mineral.

“Uranium mining has been problematic even in the developed countries
because of its life-threatening hazards. Are we ready for its
catastrophe?” he asked during a forum which ended here yesterday
(Sunday) on Post 2015 Global Development Agenda.

He said before mining of the mineral commences, adequate safety
measures must be put in place, noting that experiences of other
countries should be taken on board to contain any harmful radiation
that people may get exposed to.

Dr Moshi said although Tanzania would not be the first developing
country to mine uranium, there was a growing concern on the shortage
of experts to help mitigate the dangers posed by exposure to the
mineral in a large scale mining situation.

“We are a poor country that needs to extract our mineral resources for
economic growth. But we should not forget to put in place measures to
contain radiation from uranium and its wastes,” he pointed out……
The don further suggested that deliberate efforts must be made by the
government, not only to train the required experts who will be
acquainted with the technology, but also put in place the requisite
infrastructure for storage and transportation of uranium and its
by-products…..
http://thecitizen.co.tz/news/4-national-news/27966-analyst-gives-caution-on-uranium-mining-safety.html

January 3, 2013 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | general