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NATIONAL REPORTS: TANZANIA

Tanzania

Uranium exploration and mine development

Historical review

Uranium was first discovered in Chiwiligo pegmatite in the Uluguru Mountains in 1953. The first general evaluation of uranium potential of Tanzania was a country-wide airborne geophysical survey for the government between 1976 and 1979. Results revealed a large number of radiometric anomalies in a variety of geological settings.

A uranium exploration programme was subsequently carried out by Uranerzbergbau GmbH between 1978 and 1983, but was stopped because of declining uranium prices. Targets of this survey were anomalies in the Karoo, in younger surficial sediments, in phosphatic sediments of Pleistocene age and carbonatite of the Gallapo. Numerous occurrences of surface uranium mineralisation have been identified and there is potential for several uranium deposit types in the country.

Interest in uranium exploration was rekindled after the rise of uranium prices in 2007 and the Tanzanian government issues over 70 licences. Major exploration activities were focused on identification of sandstone-type uranium deposits in the Karoo Basin in southern part and surficial-type deposits in the central part of the country.

Since 2007, three companies discovered four uranium deposits and identified JORC and NI-43/101 compliant uranium resources (measured, indicated and inferred) presented in the following table below. The total in situ resources amounted to 72 756 tU, including 49 596 tU in measured and indicated categories.

In situ uranium resources of Tanzania*

Note: The biggest deposit so far is the Nyota deposit, part of the Mantra/Uranium One Mkuju River Project.

Over 80% of the resources total relates to the large Nyota sandstone-type deposit, also known as Mkuju River Project. The systematic exploration at Nyota started in 2007 and in 2009, maiden inferred resources estimate of 13 800 tU (35.9 Mlbs U3O8) and a pre-feasibility

NEA/IAEA estimate based on company reports and other publicly available data.

NATIONAL REPORTS: TANZANIA

study were released. In 2011, Mantra Resources was acquired by the Russian Atomredmetzoloto and Uranium One Inc. was appointed as the project operator. An updated resource of the Nyota deposit estimate in September 2011 boosted total in situ resources to 45 924 tU (119.4 Mlbs U3O8) and formed the basis of a feasibility study. During 2012-2013 Mantra Resources continued exploration focused on new resources estimation and engineering optimisation. Drilling activities and historical data analysis resulted in a further resources increase in June 2013 to 58 489 tU (152.1 Mlbs U3O8), including 124.6 Mlbs U3O8 (47 927 tU) in measured and indicated categories at an average grade of 303 ppm U3O8 (0.0257% U). The Mkuju River feasibility study was completed in 2013 and the Tanzanian government issued a special mining licence to Mantra for the project development. During 2013-2014, Mantra Resources main exploration activities were focused on Nyota deposit resources verification and ISL on-site push-pull testing to identify mineralisation principal amenability for ISL mining.

Exploration drilling by Uranex at Likuyu North deposit during 2009-2012 has identified a maiden resource at 6.1 Mlb U3O8 (2 346 tU) with an average grade of 237 ppm U3O8 (0.02% U) reported at a 100 ppm U3O8 (0.0085% U) cut-off grade.

In 2010, Uranex reported resources of 11 146 tU in a shallow Manyoni deposit, also known as the Bahi project. The region incorporates an extensive closed draining system developed over weathered uranium rich granites. This drainage captures dissolved uranium leached from underlying rocks and transports it to suitable precipitation trap sites (playa lakes). The Manyoni Project encompasses up to five playa lakes.

Uranium Resources Plc. in 2013 announced the maiden resource of 3.6 Mt ore containing 2.014 Mlb U3O8 (775 tU) with grading of 255 ppm U3O8 (0.00216% U) at the Mtonya deposit. The uranium mineralisation occurs to depths of 350 m in continuous 30 to 50 metre-wide roll fronts. The resource is potentially amenable to in situ leach recovery mining method.

Recent and ongoing uranium exploration and mine development activities

Major 2015-2016 activities at the Nyota deposit were focused on the additional investigations and resources amenability for ISL miming. In 2015, Mantra Resources obtained official approval and started a more advanced hydrogeology and two spot ISL test works. The laboratory tests resulted in high uranium recoveries with acceptable values of uranium content in sulphuric acid solutions, acid consumption and liquid-to- solid ratio. The results of hydrogeological test confirmed good aquifer permeability. The ISL test was conducted within 10 months in 2016 using two-well pattern. The results confirmed the principle uranium ISL mining amenability for a part of resources located below the water table.

Other companies have not reported uranium-related exploration activities since 2014.

Identified conventional resources (reasonably assured and inferred resources)

There are no major changes in Tanzanian uranium resources since the previous report. The minor changes to the totals compared with the last report are a result of review and verification of the deposit data. Total identified in situ uranium resources from four deposits in Tanzania amount to 72 756 tU. Over 80% of the total relates to the Nyota sandstone deposit at Mkuju River Project. It contains 47 927 tU of measured and indicated resources and 10 562 tU of inferred resources all in the <USD 80/kgU cost category. The Manyoni playa lake calcrete deposits make up 11 146 tU of identified resources of which 9 477 tU is inferred. The remaining inferred resource includes two sandstone-type deposits: the Likuju North with 2 346 tU and the Mtonya deposit, which comprises 775 tU and is potentially in situ recovery (ISL) amenable. An 80% recovery factor was applied for resources conversion into the recoverable category.

NATIONAL REPORTS: TANZANIA

Undiscovered conventional resources (prognosticated and speculative resources)

Undiscovered resources are not reported, however there is a high potential for sandstone-type uranium deposits in Karoo sediments in several areas of Tanzania.

Uranium production

There has been no uranium produced in Tanzania.

Uranium production centre technical details

(As of 1 January 2017)

Future production centres

The Mkuju River feasibility study was completed in 2013 and the Tanzanian government issued a special mining licence to Mantra for the project development. Front-end engineering and design (FEED) and Pre-FEED initiatives continued until June 2014.

According to the current definitive feasibility study, uranium resources will be mined in multiple pits feeding a single mill with conventional acid leach and resin-in-pulp recovery. Sulphuric acid ISL mining may be employed, particularly for about 15% of resources outside designed pits and below the water table. One-third of the total resource is below the water table, so the ISL potential could be greater.

Activities for 2015-2016 at the project were focused on an ISL pilot test programme. ISL could prove to be an alternative extraction method for the Mkuju River Project and similar ore bodies in the region.

NATIONAL REPORTS: TANZANIA

In late December 2016 Mantra Resources applied to the Ministry of Energy and Minerals of Tanzania for its special mining licence suspension of mining operation due to an unfavourable uranium market. In September 2017, the ministry approved the amendment to the special mining licence programme of mining operations.

Environmental activities and socio-cultural issues

The Tanzanian government has worked to allay public concerns over the prospect of uranium mining. The environmental, health, economic and social impacts are to be carefully considered and the government indicated that it is aware of the high safety standards required for uranium mining in order to protect people and the environment.

Elephant poachers have taken advantage of the road constructed for access to Mkuju River uranium project, located in the area excised from the Selous Game Reserve. In May 2014, the operator entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism to conduct combined anti-poaching initiatives. The UNESCO World Heritage Committee is monitoring the situation since all of its demands must be met in order to fulfil the Mkuju River Project requirements.

National policies relating to uranium

In 2010, the Tanzanian government substantially amended the Mining Act of 1998. The revised act increased royalty payments for mineral extraction on the gross value of minerals produced (from 3% to 5% for uranium) and mandated the government the ability to acquire shareholdings in future mining projects through a development agreement negotiated between the government and the mineral rights holder. The Parliamentary Committee for Energy and Minerals in Tanzania has directed that no mining of uranium can take place until a policy and legislation on extraction are in place.

The IAEA conducted a Uranium Production Site Appraisal Team review in 2013, providing recommendations to the country, a newcomer to uranium mining, in the application of international good practices and preparations for planned uranium mining activities. The scope of the appraisal process included exploration, resource assessment, planning, environmental and social impact assessment, mining, processing, waste management, site management, remediation and final closure.

Reasonably assured conventional resources by deposit type

(tonnes U)

Reasonably assured conventional resources by production method

(tonnes U)

NATIONAL REPORTS: THAILAND

Thailand

Uranium exploration and mine development

Historical review

Uranium exploration was carried out in the early 1970s by the Royal Thai Department of Mineral Resources (DMR). Uranium occurrences were found in various geological environments including sandstone and granite host rocks. Sandstone-type mineralisation occurs in the Phu Wiang district of the Khon Kaen province, north-eastern Thailand. This area had been independently investigated by the DMR. The area was investigated in co-operation with foreign organisations. The granite-hosted uranium occurrences associated with fluorite were discovered in the Doi Tao district, Chiang Mai province and the Muang district of Tak province, northern Thailand. These occurrences have received the most attention.

The most important uranium exploration activity carried out in Thailand is the nationwide airborne geophysical survey completed between 1985 and 1987. The survey was conducted by Kenting Earth Sciences International Limited of Canada, as contractor to DMR.

Recent and ongoing uranium exploration and mine development activities

There are no direct ongoing uranium exploration or mine development activities in any part of Thailand. However, the DMR has been conducting reconnaissance survey activities for rare earth elements in various parts of Thailand since 2011 in order to define high potential areas, emphasising surveying regions where there are granitic weathering crusts. According to the preliminary results, the associated uranium and thorium concentrations, which have accumulated along the weathering profiles, have been determined in some areas.

Uranium resources

Identified conventional resources (reasonably assured and inferred resources)

There has been no production history of conventional resources and there is no identified conventional resource.

Undiscovered conventional resources (prognosticated and speculative resources)

There are no known undiscovered conventional resources.

Unconventional resources and other materials

There has been active study in uranium extraction from Thailand’s seawater since the end of 2011. To date, no U3O8 has been separated and purified yet. However, the objective of the study has been to improve the extraction technique, rather than the actual amount and rate of recovery of the uranium.

NATIONAL REPORTS: THAILAND

According to the rare earth exploration activities in the Muang district of Chiang Rai province, unconventional resources of 31 800 metric tons of U (37 500 metric tons U3O8) and 101 800 metric tons of Th (138 000 metric tons ThO2) have been assessed from thick weathering horizons above the underlying granitic basement with average concentrations of 22 and 72 ppm, respectively.

Uranium production

Historical review

There has been no historical uranium production in Thailand.

Status of production facilities, production capability, recent and ongoing activities and other issues

There is no past or current production facility in Thailand.

Ownership structure of the uranium industry

N/A.

Employment in the uranium industry

None.

Future production centres

In the future, if uranium extraction from seawater becomes economically competitive, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) may consider investment in a production centre. Currently, there is no foreseeable plan.

Regulatory regime

There is no regulatory regime for uranium mining in Thailand as there is no uranium industry. However, the Office of Atoms for Peace (OAP) is currently the regulator on the use of atomic energy in Thailand. So, if there is a uranium mining industry in Thailand in the future, OAP will most likely be the main agency responsible for regulation.

Uranium requirements

According to Thailand’s Power Development Plan 2015 (PDP 2015), which covers the years 2015-2036, the first two nuclear power plants will be connected to the grid in 2035 and 2036. However, the government has not yet made any formal decision to begin construction. The uranium requirement is based on the assumption that the first plant will start operation in 2035 and the second plant in 2036. Each unit will produce about 1 000 MWe.

Supply and procurement strategy

All fuel assemblies for future nuclear power plants will be purchased from overseas. Currently there is no plan for the future procurement strategy. There is also no plan in the foreseeable future to set up a fuel production plant in Thailand.

NATIONAL REPORTS: THAILAND

Uranium policies, uranium stocks and uranium prices

National policies relating to uranium

There is no current government policy on uranium. However, there are laws and regulations on the use of atomic energy and radioactive materials. Uranium import and export is included in these laws. The laws are the Atomic Energy for Peace Act B.E. 2504 (1961) and the Ministerial Act on Licensing and Management Procedures for Special Nuclear Materials B.E. 2550 (2007).

Installed nuclear generating capacity to 2035

(MWe net)

Annual reactor-related uranium requirements to 2035 (excluding MOX)

(tonnes U)

Note: No first core load for the new plant is included in the uranium requirements data. The uranium requirement figures provided do not include plans to build an inventory of uranium.

NATIONAL REPORTS: TURKEY

Turkey

Uranium exploration and mine development

Historical background

General Directorate of Mineral Research and Exploration (MTA)

Uranium exploration in Turkey began in 1956-1957 and was directed towards the discovery of vein-type deposits in crystalline terrain, such as acidic igneous and metamorphic rocks. As a result of these activities, some pitchblende mineralisation was found, but these occurrences were not accepted as economic deposits. Since 1960, studies have been conducted in sedimentary rocks that surround the crystalline rock, and some small orebodies containing autunite and torbernite mineralisation have been found in different parts of the country. In the mid-1970s, the first hidden uranium

deposit with black coloured ore, below the water table, was found in the Koprubaşı area of Manisa. As a result of these exploration activities, a total of 9 129 tonnes U3O8

(7 740 tU) inşsitu şresources were identified in the Manisa-Köprübaşı (2 852 tonnes U3O8; 2 419 tU), U ak-E me (490 tU3O8; 415 tU), Aydın-Koçarlı (208 tU3O8; 176 tU), Aydın-Söke (1 729 tU3Oş8; 1 466 tU) and Yozgat-Sorgun (3 850 tU3O8; 3 265 tU) regions.

Eti Maden İ letmeleri Genel Müdürlüğü (Eti Maden)

State-owned organisation Eti Maden is responsible for a total of six uranium mine sites with uranium resources. Geological exploration has been performed by the General Directorate of Mineral Research and Exploration at these sites in the past. Between 1960-1980, uranium exploration was performed by aerial prospecting, general and detailed prospecting on-site, geologic mapping studies and drilling activities. These uranium sites were transferred to Eti Maden as possible mines, which can be operated by the state under law number 2840 on the “Operation of Boron Salts, Trona and Asphaltite Mines and Nuclear Energy Raw Materials” (10 June 1983).

Recent and ongoing uranium exploration and mine development activities

General Directorate of Mineral Research and Exploration

In 2015, granite, acidic igneous and sedimentary rocks around Denizli and Aydın (an

area of approximately 5 000 km2) were explored for radioactive raw materials.

In 2016, granite, acidicş igneous and sedimentary rocks around Aydın and Muğla (an area of approximately 5 000 km2) were explored for radioactive raw materials. Exploration

Exploration for radioactive raw materials was also performed in sites licensed by MTA inside Manisa and Nev ehir.