Uranium mining in Tanzania — The role of the ISTC and the objectives for sustainable development

5.4.2018

Question for written answer E-002003-18
to the Commission
Rule 130
Sabine Lösing (GUE/NGL)

The Tanzanian government is promoting preparations to mine a uranium deposit, including in the area of the Selous Game Reserve. The ‘Tanzania Atomic Energy Commission’ (TAEC) is supported in this by the EU. Consultation of the TAEC is financed by the ‘International Science and Technology Center’ (ISTC) using funds from the Instrument for nuclear safety and cooperation (INSC); the focus is evidently on radiation protection, uranium mining and tailings storage. The ISTC was founded in 1992 as a nuclear non-proliferation programme; the researchers originally came from the nuclear programmes in the present Commonwealth of Independent States. In view of the catastrophic consequences of uranium mining for humans and the environment in other African countries, it is urgent that appropriate consultation is provided to the government, particularly with regard to meeting the objectives of sustainable development.

1. How will the Commission ensure that the ISTC consultants communicate the necessary specialist knowledge about the socio-ecological consequences of uranium mining to the Tanzanian government?

2. Which scientists and which ISTC employees are involved in counselling the TAEC, and which are the key points of the consultation?

3. How should it be ensured that the consequences of uranium mining do not counteract the objectives for sustainable development, whose achievement is a declared goal of DG DEVCO, in particular Goal 3 (good health), 13 (combating climate change) and 15 (protecting terrestrial ecosystems)?