OECD Nuclear Energy Agency produced a report in 2023 on the subject "Maximising Uranium Mining’s Social and Economic Benefits: A Guide for Stakeholders" the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) explores uranium-producing regions in both developed and emerging economies to provide a contemporary understanding of leading practices as well as best practices for environmental protection, community engagement and benefits-sharing.
Case studies are presented to inform evidence-based discussions about uranium mine development and to provide decision makers with guidance about approaches to maximise the socio-economic benefits of uranium exploration and extraction, and avoid negative environmental and health impacts. The launch of this NEA provided unique insights and lessons from across the global uranium sector – including community perspectives, Indigenous voices and industry perspectives in a discussion about the report’s key findings.
The transformative activity of mining has numerous economic, social and environmental impacts that can be both positive and adverse for communities, ecosystems and economies. As the uranium industry begins to address negative perceptions and legacies associated with past activities, 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 basis for this report.
Through an examination of case studies from several countries the aim is to 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, innovation, 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.
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