| We must be cautious with our with uranium | Send to a friend |
| Monday, 06 September 2010 21:04 |
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If everything goes according to plan, production is to soon to start at the Mkuju River project in Namtumbo District, Ruvuma Region, as resources mobilisation is presently at an advanced stage. We have the potential of producing over 1,650 tonnes of uranium per year, surpassing the US, which boasts 1,500 tonnes. According to the managing director of Mantra Tanzania, the firm that is undertaking the project, Mr Tony Devlin, a feasibility study was completed in March and everything was going on as per plan. The production of uranium will be one of the most important achievements in the history of Tanzania’s industrial developments. For the uninitiated, uranium is used to make, among other things, bombs, electricity and computer components. It is clear; therefore, that production of this vital metal will place Tanzania on the map of important countries. However, there may arise risks brought by the discovery of this metal. Memories still linger, of the explosion caused by a nuclear power plant in Chernobyl, Soviet Union (now Ukraine) in April 26, 1986. About 200,000 people had to be relocated and according to World Health Organisation, about 9,000 people died. Two years earlier in India, a gas leak at the Union Carbide’s nuclear powered pesticide factory caused deaths to around 8,000 people! The two are just a few of several recorded major nuclear disasters across the world. It means Tanzania needs to be cautious of how to handle the newfound resource lest a blessing translates into a source of unbearable misfortunes. And of course, all necessary measures must be taken to ensure the citizens of this country benefit from uranium, lest we end with a repeat of familiar laments surrounding our gold and diamonds. Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites           |
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