The United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency has approved regulations to guide uranium- mining activities in Zambia, the Southern African country’s Minister of Mines, Kalombo Mwansa, reports.

In light of this development, he says, the Ministry of Mines will start issuing uranium-mining licences to prospecting companies next month.

The regulations encompass the mining, milling and transportation of uranium and other radio- active minerals.
A number of companies are undertaking uranium exploration countrywide. Among these com- panies is Omega Corporation Minerals, of Australia, which is searching for the energy mineral in Siavonga, in the south of the country.

Omega country manager Roger Staley says the company expects to produce its first uranium by August 2011, adding that Omega has addressed all environmental concerns raised over the mining of uranium.

Another uranium explorer, Albidon Zambia, has also confirmed the presence of high- grade uranium mineralisation at its Njame East project, near Chirundu, on the border with Zimbabwe.

When giving an update on pre- feasibility studies early this year, Albidon Zambia said the uranium resources at the Chirundu joint venture with African Energy Resources had increased by 25%.

The company has indicated that the first uranium is expected to be produced by the end of 2009.

Yet another uranium explorer, Equinox Minerals, has confirmed the presence of uranium at Lumwana in the North Western province.

The company is currently undertaking a bankable feasibility study, the outcome of which will decide the way forward.

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