International obligations and the effective regulation of uranium production and exports

Although uranium ore concentrate has the lowest level of proliferation and security risk of all types of nuclear materials, it does require prudent management practices to ensure controls to mitigate the potential for unauthorised acquisition. DIIS is pleased to present a guide for uranium producers and state authorities by John Carlson, former Director General of the Australian Safeguards and Nonproliferation Office (from 1989 to 2010). His paper provides a clear overview of the global obligations that frame the international regulatory framework for uranium production and trade. He identifies the proliferation and security risks that can be prudently managed through effective licensing, inventory controls, physical protection, and enforcement measures. His guide reinforces how an independent regulator, verification and export controls are central to effective regulation and how safeguards can be applied to ensure uranium remains tracked after it has left a supplier’s borders and travels through the nuclear fuel cycle.

Bio: John Carlson is Counselor to the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI), Washington. Other current appointments include Advisory Council, International Luxembourg Forum; Associate, Project on Managing the Atom, Belfer Center, Harvard University; Nonresident Fellow, Lowy Institute, Sydney; International Verification Consultants Network, VERTIC; and Adviser, Asia-Pacific Leadership Network for Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament. Previous appointments include Director General, Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office 1989-2010; Chairman, IAEA Standing Advisory Group on Safeguards Implementation (SAGSI) 2001-06; Australian Sherpa, 2010 Nuclear Security Summit, and founding Chair of the Asia-Pacific Safeguards Network 2009-12. He is a fellow of the Institute of Nuclear Materials Management and recipient of the Institute's Distinguished Service Award. He has written numerous papers and presentations on nuclear nonproliferation, disarmament and verification issues. In June 2012 Carlson was awarded the national honour of Member of the Order of Australia (AM).