The Truth About Uranium One and Its Export

Recently, a wave of rumors and speculations have surfaced claiming that Russia had acquired uranium from a Canadian mining company called Uranium One, raising questions about its export activities and the involvement of various agencies. Let's delve into the facts behind the alleged movements of uranium and the regulatory and legal controls in place to manage such activities.

Where Did the Uranium Go?

The claim that uranium was moved from the mine is unfounded. Uranium One, a Canadian mining company, was acquired by a Russian company. This resulted in a review by several agencies, including the US State Department and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).

The mine in Wyoming has uranium ore, but it is of a poor grade. This ore is not suitable for direct use in nuclear power plants or weapons. The processing of uranium ore into yellowcake is a complex and expensive process that requires significant infrastructure and equipment. Even if uranium was mined, it was not sold for export due to the issuance of a limited export license.

The NRC and Uranium Tracking

The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) tracks the entire journey of uranium from its point of production to its final use. This stringent monitoring ensures that no uranium is lost or misappropriated. Any material that undergoes processing for Weapons, Power Production, or Industrial Applications is subject to strict regulation and tracking by the NRC.

For instance, any uranium processed for nuclear power plants must go through a refining, conversion, and enrichment process, followed by its use in generating electricity. The entire process is licensed and monitored to protect public safety and national security. No uranium can leave the country without proper documentation and approval from the NRC and other regulatory bodies.

The Regulatory Framework

The sale of Uranium One to Rosatom, a Russian entity, triggered a comprehensive review by the NRC. The NRC's goal was to ensure that the control of uranium remained within the framework of US law and regulations.

The NRC reviewed the proposed change in control and determined that:

No physical changes were made to the mining facilities. Key personnel remained the same. No operational changes were proposed. The equipment, facilities, and procedures remained adequate for safety and security. The amendment would not be inimical to national defense and public health and safety. The sale was not for an unauthorized purpose. The issuance of the license was consistent with the law.

These findings demonstrate that the regulatory framework successfully managed the sale and continued oversight of Uranium One's operations without any loopholes for unauthorized export or misuse.

Uranium One and Its Operations

Uranium One operated a single in-situ leaching mine in Christensen Ranch, Wyoming, which has been in and out of production over the years. The company was owned by a Russian entity, but operated by various international mining interests. Last year, the site only produced a small amount of uranium, highlighting the low-grade nature of the ore.

The United States is a net importer of nuclear fuel as the demand for cheaper foreign sources has made domestic mining less economically viable. This has led to a reliance on imported uranium, particularly from Russia in the past, through the Megatons to Megawatts program.

CFIUS and the Hillary Clinton Connection

Regarding the alleged connection to Hillary Clinton, it's essential to note that the CFIUS (Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States) review was thorough and found no national security threats in the sale. The CFIUS process is designed to ensure that foreign investments do not pose a risk to the US. Any donations from the former owner of Uranium One to the Clinton Foundation were unrelated to the company's sale and occurred years before.

Given the multiple layers of oversight and regulation, it is highly unlikely that uranium from Uranium One was sold to Russia or any other country without authorization. Any such activity would have been caught by the NRC and other regulatory agencies.

While it's natural to ask questions about such large-scale operations, the facts clearly show that the regulatory frameworks in place are robust and effective in preventing unauthorized export and ensuring public safety.