IAEA Investigates Reports of Illegal Uranium Mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo

The International Atomic Energy Agency has called on the Democratic Republic of Congo to provide information about possible illegal uranium mining in the African nation, BBC News reported today (see GSN, March 23).

The agency is concerned about reports of possible illegal mining at the supposedly closed Shinkolobwe uranium mine in the southeastern section of the country, an agency spokeswoman said. The mine has previously been used to produce uranium for the United States during World War II, according to BBC News.

“We’re very concerned. Congo is obliged to report any uranium mining activities as well as exports,” said agency spokeswoman Melissa Fleming. “We are of course aware of the turbulent situation in terms of security and political situation in the region, we’re aware that the government may not itself be fully aware of the activities ongoing in some parts of the country,” she said (BBC News, March 25).

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