Terms of Reference

On 2 May 1996 the Senate established a select committee on uranium mining and milling. The terms of reference are-

. . . to inquire into and report on the environmental impact, health and safety and other implications and effectiveness of security agreements in relation to the mining, milling and export of Australian uranium.

In considering these terms of reference the Committee is to take into account, and where necessary report on, the following issues:

(a) The environmental impact of uranium mining and milling in Australia and the effectiveness of environmental protection and monitoring in relation to existing and previous Australian uranium mining operations;

(b) The role of the Office of the Supervising Scientist in monitoring Australian uranium mining and milling activities;

(c) The health and safety implications of uranium mining and milling for workers at mining and milling sites and mining operations;

(d) The health, safety and other effects of uranium mining and milling on communities adjacent to mine and mill sites and communities on existing or planned transport routes for uranium ore and uranium waste;

(e) The effectiveness of Australia's bilateral agreements with countries importing Australian uranium in ensuring that Australian-sourced uranium is not used in military nuclear technology or nuclear weapons testing activities; and

(f) The volume and location of Australian-obligated plutonium currently in existence in the international nuclear fuel cycle (produced as a result of the use of Australian uranium), in what form it exists (for example, separated or in spent nuclear fuel) and its intended end use.