Health & Safety
Uranex considers that the wellbeing of our employees is a priority in all aspects of our business. We do not compromise our health and safety values. Our goal is to maintain an injury free and illness free workplace.
As significant community-based health risks (for example, malaria) exist in some of our project areas, Uranex seeks to increase awareness of these issues and to reduce health impacts.
Uranex strives to develop a strong and effective health and safety culture. All employees are encouraged to take responsibility for health and safety and to participate in continuous improvement processes.
Environment
At Uranex, we believe that sustainable development is an essential aspect of our business. We are committed to the principles of biodiversity conservation and sound environmental management. We are committed to working closely with local communities and stakeholders to provide positive social and environmental outcomes.
In 2011 Uranex commenced a preliminary Environmental and Social Scoping Study of the Likuyu North Uranium Project area. The results of this study will feed into the subsequent Baseline monitoring and Scoping Studies for the project.
2011 highlights in environmental management include the implementation of a large scale environmental audit program, to inspect and assess the condition of former drill sites and exploration areas and determine the outcomes following rehabilitation and closure. Over 200 former drill sites were inspected, with positive overall outcomes, including rapid revegetation rates consistent with high rainfall conditions in former exploration areas.
Uranex works in collaboration with governments in Australia and Tanzania to ensure best practice environmental management throughout the life of our projects and activities.
Community
Uranex works closely with its neighbours, employees, traditional land owners and other stakeholders to create positive outcomes for the communities in which the company operates. In 2011, Uranex commenced community consultation in southern Tanzania in conjunction with increased exploration activities at both the Likuyu North Uranium Project and the Lumecha Coal Project. In August 2011, Uranex initiated a community consultation program in the Mkuju project area in Tanzania. Public meetings were held in Likuyu Seka, Likuyu Mandela and Mtonya Villages with the aim of seeking community feedback and providing information about uranium, exploration and mining. These meetings were attended by more than 400 local people in total. Community engagement is a central part of Uranex operations and the consultation process has been effective in maintaining ongoing participation and communication with local stakeholders.
The Company contributes to the needs of communities in the project areas through the Uranex Community Partnership Program (UCPP). In accordance with this program, Uranex contributes to community development in areas such as cultural awareness, education, agriculture, sport and health. Uranex has a particular emphasis on supporting the development of self-sustaining businesses.
In 2011 Uranex helped establish the Mwamko Garden Project, a sustainable business which supplies fresh vegetables to the Namtumbo district – their local customers include a major infrastructure construction camp near Songea. Uranex also assisted in establishing a local soccer team, “Namtumbo Heroes” to represent the District at the Regional Level.
As Uranex works to progress from exploration to the development of a mining operation, the Company will continue to work closely with the communities in which it operates in an effort to enhance the regions economically and socially.
Radiation
Uranex is committed to protecting and where possible enhancing the health and well being of people and environments as part of our broader commitment to sustainable development. In all aspects of our business and at all stages of our projects, we apply the “ALARA” principle (keeping radiation exposures “As Low As Reasonably Achievable”). Uranex provides radiation safety training to all exploration staff in Australia and Tanzania. We are committed to ensuring that our operations are highly protective of people and environments.