The Uranium Industry Framework (UIF) undertook review of the group’s structure and objectives, and agreed to restructure the UIF into a Uranium Council. The UIF was renamed the Uranium Council to reflect the further work to be completed by those involved in the forum. A vision and objectives were developed and endorsed by the Council which recognises the new work agenda of the group, while acknowledging the original objectives and purpose of the UIF.
Vision
The vision of the Uranium Council is to contribute to national wellbeing through the progressive and sustainable development of the Australian uranium exploration, mining, milling and exporting industry in line with world’s best practice standards.
The vision will be achieved through pursuing the following objectives:
- Progressing constructive and compatible changes to the basic legislative and policy framework for the sustainable development of the industry to ensure a consistent and effective regulation regime for uranium mining operators.
- Facilitating economically competitive development of the industry.
- Improving coordination and, where appropriate, the consistency of policy regimes.
- Encouraging new and expanded investment in competitive uranium development opportunities.
- Providing an opportunity for information and policy exchange on issues affecting the uranium industry.
Membership
The membership of the Council comprises representatives of: the Commonwealth and State/ Territory government agencies; industry; and non-government organisations. The Secretariat for the Council is provided by the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism.
Communication
The Council meets formally on a bi-annual basis with meeting venues being rotated between participating jurisdictions. The Council has the ability to communicate out of session. The working groups of the Council meet at the discretion of the Working Group Chair. The Chairs of the working groups report back to the Chair of the Council after each of the working group meetings.
The Council deals with four broad strategic themes to progress initiatives which are consistent with the priorities of industry. The strategic themes focus on progressing the recommendations of the Review of Regulatory Efficiency in Uranium Mining [
PDF, 949KB | 
DOC, 1.4MB] and finalising the remaining priorities from the initial Uranium Industry Framework Steering Group Report [ PDF, 2.7MB | DOC, 1.4MB]. Additional priorities may become evident through the work of the Council.
Priorities for the Council include:
- Indigenous Communication and Engagement;
- Health, Safety and the Environment with a particular focus on radiation issues; and the
- Responsible Management of Uranium.
Projects are either progressed by working groups; or alternatively, projects can be lead by industry or government where appropriate. Each working group is chaired by a member of the Council, and depending on the initiative, the Chair can invite relevant members, specialist and/or individuals with expertise and interest in that work area to join the group.
The Uranium Council themes include Competitiveness, Sustainability, Stewardship and Indigenous Communication and Economic Development.
Competitiveness Theme - addresses issues impacting on the industry’s operational capabilities, investment and land access. This is primarily achieved through progressing the initiatives identified by the Review of Regulatory Efficiency in Uranium Mining [ PDF, 949KB | DOC, 1.4MB]. The Theme has a long-term objective of ensuring that the regulatory framework is streamlined where appropriate, and unnecessary burdens on the industry are removed.
Initiatives include:
- Development of a national incident reporting regime.
- Development of principles and guidelines for stakeholder engagement in regulatory oversight.
- Resolve Commonwealth environmental regulation duplication.
- Development of a transport strategy to address impediments to the transport of uranium.
Sustainability Theme - addresses issues impacting on health, safety and the environment, including climate change issues. This group also has carriage of radiation issues associated with uranium mining. Initiatives include:
- Rollout of the units of competency for Radiation Safety and Protection Skills
- Finalisation of the In-situ Recovery Best Practice Guidelines [ PDF, 5.7MB].
- Development an Environmental Assessment Framework to address the need for a systematic approach to assessment of the effects of radionuclides on the Australian environment.
- Implementation of the Australian National Radiation Dose Register.
Stewardship Theme - addresses the safe and responsible management of uranium, including issues such as safety and non-proliferation. The theme includes participation in international fora to ensure uranium products are produced, transported, used and disposed of in a safe, sustainable and acceptable manner.
Indigenous Communication and Economic Development Theme - addresses opportunities for cooperation in economic development between the industry, governments and indigenous communities, and facilitate provision of information about uranium to indigenous communities.
Initiatives include:
- Development of supporting documentation to inform Indigenous communities about uranium mining.
- Finalisation and rollout of the DVD on uranium exploration and mining for Indigenous communities. The DVD is now available via emailing uranium@ret.gov.au.
- Identify best practice in areas such as Indigenous engagement models and Indigenous employment so that these can be used at other locations and operations.
Review
A comprehensive review of the Council will be undertaken in 2011/12. This will include a detailed report to the Minister for Resources and Energy on the status of the uranium industry and the achievements of the Council. This review will provide a recommendation to the Minister on the future of the Council.
Further Information
For further information please contact the Uranium Council Secretariat via email at uranium@ret.gov.au.