Study trip to a Czech uranium mine
The aim of this project is to learn about the ISL technology by visiting a former uranium mine in the Czech Republic (Straz pod Ralskem) and disseminate the gathered information.
Type:
NCA, Friends of the Earth International
Type:
Study trip
Target:
Gathering and disseminating information and collecting international experience about ISL type of uranium mining
Target group:
municipalities, local governments (mayors, representatives), NGOs, journalists
Description:
The method of ISL (in situ leaching – chemical recovery) has never been used for uranium mining in Hungary. As recently interests seem to have arisen in opening new sites, it is an issue to become familiar with the impacts of this technology.
The aim of this project is to learn about the technology by visiting a former ISL mine in the Czech Republic (Straz pod Ralskem) and disseminate the gathered information. During the excursion the environmental risks and impacts of ISL mining and the course of remediation is studied; practical experience and information is gathered from the mining company (Diamo), local governments and local NGOs concerning (1) the cooperation of these stakeholders, (2) the practice of local regulation and control, (3) the rights of local governments and NGOs related to uranium mining and (4) the economical and social impacts of uranium mining and remediation.
The participants of the study trip are representatives of Bátaszék and its region (where the research is carried out for uranium mining), mayors and other people from local governments, NGOs and journalists. In the Czech Republic we visit the uranium mine field, observe the activities of remediation and meet the representatives of the company. Afterwards we participate at several meetings, where we have the opportunity of talking to mayors and people from local governments and NGOs and ask them about the practices of participating in the process of observing and controlling the former mining and recent remediation activities.
The excursion is fully documented (pictures, films and interviews are recorded, written reports are made), which will be used afterwards for disseminating the information by newspaper articles, presentations and reports to decision makers and local residents.
