Securing uranium ore concentrates

Three world summits on nuclear security have focused attention on reducing and securing the world’s most dangerous nuclear material, particularly materials considered ‘direct use’ for nuclear weapons. In lead up to the fourth and last summit in Washington D.C. in 2016, this Policy Brief argues that source materials such as processed uranium ore concentrates (UOC) should also be included in developing a comprehensive nuclear security regime.

The Policy Brief underscores that while the radiological risk associated with source materials is lower than for highly enriched uranium or plutonium, it is important for a nuclear security regime and security culture to extend across the entire nuclear fuel cycle. It highlights how practical security measures against the unauthorised removal or misuse of UOC provides additional opportunities for detection and how a risk-based, graded approach strengthens 'uranium security.’