Latest news with #UOC
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Q&A: Best practice for transport of uranium ore concentrates
The World Nuclear Transport Institute (WNTI) recently updated its standard on Packaging and Transport of Uranium Concentrates. The fourth version of the standard, published in March, outlines industry best practices to ensure the security and safety of communities and the environment during transport of natural uranium ore concentrates. Established in 1998, WNTI represents the collective interests of the nuclear transport industry and works closely with international organisations, regulators and industry stakeholders to promote best practices and harmonised transport standards. In the front-end of the nuclear fuel cycle, WNTI is involved in the logistics and standards setting out the legal and regulatory frameworks surrounding the transport of materials such as uranium ore concentrate (UOC), uranium hexafluoride (UF6), enriched uranium and fuel assemblies. With increased attention on the nuclear industry and the recent surge in investment into uranium exploration, Mining Technology speaks to WNTI to learn more about the standard, which covers the latest requirements for packaging, shipping and transport of uranium concentrates. Responses to this Q&A were provided by Marc-Andre Charette, director, transportation, security and regulatory relations at Cameco Corporation and Steve Hansen, chief compliance officer at TAM International, a radioactive material transport solutions provider. WNTI: The transport of UOC is governed by a combination of international regulations, national laws and industry best practices to ensure safety, security, and environmental protection. The main international regulatory frameworks and requirements include the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Specific Safety Requirements (SSR-6), Regulations for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Material; UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (Orange Book) and the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code. Key national and regional regulations are Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) – Transportation (US); Packaging and Transport of Nuclear Substances Regulations (Canada); the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (European Union) and other modal regulations. WNTI: Transporting UOC requires a specialised approach due to a combination of radiological, chemical, regulatory and reputational factors that distinguish it from typical industrial commodities. This is due to: Radiological risk: UOC is radioactive, though at relatively low levels, which necessitates radiation monitoring during packaging and before transport. Chemical hazard: UOC is a heavy metal, non-flammable, insoluble in water and non-reactive in water. As a dry powder, handling requires dust control, sealed containers and personal protective equipment. Regulatory complexity: Transport of uranium ore concentrate is governed by international nuclear transport regulations (see above). It may require special documentation, licensing and compliance audits. Carriers must also be trained and certified for Class 7 (radioactive) materials. Security concerns: UOC is part of the nuclear fuel cycle and thus subject to non-proliferation controls. This means that transport routes and storage should be secure. This process often involves tracking systems and government oversight. Public perception and liability: Nuclear materials carry a high public sensitivity. Thus, any incident, even minor, can lead to media scrutiny, reputational damage and legal consequences. Companies must manage risk communication and community engagement. Environmental protection: Emergency response plans must be in place to contain and remediate any incidents that occur during transport of uranium concentrates. WNTI: The WNTI Standard – Packaging and Transport of Uranium Concentrates (Version 4), published in March 2025, is a comprehensive guide developed by WNTI to promote safe, secure and efficient transport of natural uranium ore concentrates. Version 4 reflects updated industry practices and regulatory expectations. It includes: packaging requirements on the use of Type IP-1 as well as guidelines for drum integrity, sealing and stacking. It also covers best practices for arranging drums inside ISO containers and the use of restraint systems to prevent movement during transit. Other sections offer guidance on contamination control, including procedures for checking and cleaning containers before and after use as well as methods to confirm containers are free of radioactive contamination before release. The standard provides guidance for road, rail, and sea transport, with an emphasis on intermodal compatibility and regulatory compliance. It also covers security and emergency preparedness, with recommendations for route planning, tracking, and incident response in alignment with IAEA and UN transport regulations. It also details requirements for transport documentation, labelling, and personnel training. The standard is intended for a wide range of stakeholders involved in the nuclear fuel supply chain, including uranium producers and converters, transport and logistics companies, packaging manufacturers, regulatory authorities, nuclear utilities and emergency response planners. It serves as both a technical reference and a training resource, helping all parties involved in UOC transport to operate at a consistent and high standard. WNTI: Version 4 of the standard introduces several important updates and refinements compared to Version 3, reflecting evolving industry practices, regulatory expectations and operational experience. Key updates include: Expanded guidance on ISO shipping containers such as more detailed specifications for container inspection, maintenance and free release procedures. There is also now the inclusion of pre-use and pre-shipment inspection checklists to confirm container integrity. Enhanced radiological monitoring protocols, namely clearer procedures for monitoring contamination on packaging and containers, as well as an emphasis on record-keeping. Updated packaging and drum specifications, including refined guidance on IP-1 drum standards, with examples and illustrations as well as recommendations for drum stacking, sealing and labelling to improve safety and efficiency. Improved container loading practices with guidance on best practices for drum restraint systems inside ISO containers to prevent movement during transit, plus visual examples of container packing lists and multimodal dangerous goods forms. Clarified documentation requirements through more comprehensive guidance on shipping documentation, markings, labels, and notifications with templates and examples included. These changes aim to: standardise practices across the global uranium ore concentrate transport community; improve safety and regulatory compliance; reduce contamination risks and improve container turnaround times and support training and onboarding of new personnel with clearer, more visual guidance. WNTI: To ensure their uranium packaging and transport protocols align with international expectations, mining companies should implement a structured and proactive approach. Here are the practical steps they should take include: adopting international standards and best practice; using approved packaging; standardising container loading; monitoring and controlling contamination; strengthening security and emergency preparedness; maintaining accurate documentation; providing regular training and engaging with regulators and stakeholders. WNTI: The WNTI collaborates closely with a wide range of stakeholders including mining companies, logistics providers, regulators and packaging manufacturers to develop and update its transport standards. In fact, a number of our members are from mining companies. This collaboration ensures that the standards are practical, globally relevant, and aligned with evolving regulatory and operational needs. WNTI operates specialised working groups, such as the Uranium Concentrate Working Group (UCWG), which includes representatives from uranium miners, producers and converters; transport and logistics companies; packaging experts; and regulatory and safety authorities. These groups meet regularly to share operational experiences, identify challenges and propose improvements to transport practices. WNTI: We offer a range of practical support tailored to help junior mining companies and new entrants in the uranium sector navigate the complex landscape of nuclear material transport. WNTI supports these companies in several ways. Through working groups like the UCWG, WNTI connects juniors with experienced uranium producers, logistics providers, regulators and packaging experts. This fosters knowledge sharing and mentorship opportunities. WNTI also helps members understand and comply with IAEA transport regulations, UN dangerous goods codes and national licensing requirements, which is crucial for juniors unfamiliar with nuclear regulatory frameworks. Finally, WNTI provides standardised forms, inspection checklists and container loading guides. These tools help juniors implement best practices without needing to develop them from Charette, director, transportation, security and regulatory relations at Cameco Corporation, is chair of WNTI's Uranium Concentrate Working Group. Steven Hansen, chief compliance officer at TAM International was involved in developing version 4 of the standard. "Q&A: Best practice for transport of uranium ore concentrates" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Russia Today
06-07-2025
- Politics
- Russia Today
No weapons for Kiev over church persecution
Kiev's persecution of Ukraine's largest church is reason enough for Washington to halt military aid to the country, US Representative Anna Paulina Luna has said, pledging to oppose any future weapons shipments. The Florida Republican accused Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky of banning the Orthodox Church in a post on X on Friday, apparently referring to ongoing actions against the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) – the largest religious organization in the country. 'I can promise there will be no weapons funding for you,' Luna, who serves on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, wrote. 'We are not your piggy bank,' she added, urging Zelensky to 'negotiate for peace' instead. Oh man. The Ukraine bots are big mad about this one. 'It WaS OKaY bc IT waS Russian OrThODox.' 🤡 All of a sudden these pro-war shills are religion experts and also telepathic, as they are CERTAIN not one Christian went to those churches to worship God. Imagine if we did that in… Kiev has accused the UOC of maintaining ties with Moscow to justify its crackdown, even though the church declared independence from the Russian Orthodox Church in May 2022. Responding to criticism in the comments under her post, Luna added, 'The Ukraine bots are big mad about this one.' 'All of a sudden these pro-war shills are religion experts and also telepathic, as they are CERTAIN not one Christian went to those churches to worship God. Imagine if we did that in the States. Hypocrites,' she said. According to Ukraine Oversight, an official US government portal tracking aid disbursements, Washington allocated a total of $182.8 billion in assistance to Ukraine from 2022 to the end of 2024. In May, US President Donald Trump expressed concern over what he described as billions of dollars being wasted on Ukraine aid. He said Congress was 'very upset about it' and that lawmakers were demanding answers about how the money was being spent. Earlier this week, the Pentagon reportedly halted shipments of certain weapons and ammunition to Ukraine, citing the need to review remaining stockpiles as part of Trump's 'America First' policy. Kiev's persecution of the canonical Orthodox Church has received limited attention from US politicians and public figures. In late May, American journalist Tucker Carlson raised the issue in an interview with former Ukrainian MP Vadim Novinsky. 'I think very few Americans understand the degree to which the Ukrainian government under Zelensky has persecuted the Ukrainian Orthodox Church,' Carlson said during the broadcast. Years of state pressure on the church have included the arrests of clergymen and raids on monasteries, including a high-profile incident at the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, where religious relics are kept. Last year, Zelensky signed legislation allowing the government to ban religious organizations deemed affiliated with 'aggressor' states, effectively targeting the UOC. Earlier this week, he also stripped the church's senior bishop, Metropolitan Onufry, of his citizenship, citing his previously acquired Russian passport.
Russia Today
06-07-2025
- Politics
- Russia Today
No weapons for Kiev over Christian church persecution
Kiev's persecution of the country's largest Christian church is reason enough for Washington to halt military assistance to Ukraine, US Representative Anna Paulina Luna has said, pledging to personally oppose any future weapons shipments. The Florida Republican accused Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky of banning the Orthodox Church in a post on X on Friday, apparently referring to ongoing actions against the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) – the largest religious organization in the country. 'I can promise there will be no weapons funding for you,' wrote Luna, who serves on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. 'We are not your piggy bank,' she added, calling on Zelensky to 'negotiate for peace' instead. Oh man. The Ukraine bots are big mad about this one. 'It WaS OKaY bc IT waS Russian OrThODox.' 🤡 All of a sudden these pro-war shills are religion experts and also telepathic, as they are CERTAIN not one Christian went to those churches to worship God. Imagine if we did that in… Kiev has accused the UOC of maintaining ties with Moscow to justify its crackdown, although the church declared its independence from the Russian Orthodox Church in May 2022. Responding to criticism in the comments under her post, Luna added, 'The Ukraine bots are big mad about this one.' 'All of a sudden these pro-war shills are religion experts and also telepathic, as they are CERTAIN not one Christian went to those churches to worship God. Imagine if we did that in the States. Hypocrites,' she said. According to Ukraine Oversight, an official US government portal tracking aid disbursements, Washington allocated a total of $182.8 billion in assistance to Ukraine between 2022 and the end of 2024. In May, President Donald Trump expressed concern over what he described as billions of dollars being wasted on Ukraine aid. He said Congress was 'very upset about it' and that lawmakers were demanding answers about how the money was being spent. Earlier this week, the Pentagon reportedly halted shipments of certain weapons and ammunition to Ukraine, citing the need to review remaining stockpiles as part of Trump's 'America First' policy. Kiev's persecution of the canonical Orthodox Church has received limited attention from US politicians and public figures. In late May, American journalist Tucker Carlson raised the issue in an interview with former Ukrainian MP Vadim Novinsky. 'I think very few Americans understand the degree to which the Ukrainian government under Zelensky has persecuted the Ukrainian Orthodox Church,' Carlson said during the broadcast. Years of state pressure on the church have included the arrests of clergymen and raids on monasteries, including a high-profile incident at the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, where religious relics are kept. Last year, Zelensky signed legislation allowing the government to ban religious organizations deemed affiliated with so-called 'aggressor' states, effectively targeting the UOC. Earlier this week, he also stripped the church's senior bishop, Metropolitan Onufry, of his citizenship, citing his previously acquired Russian passport.
Novaya Gazeta Europe
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Novaya Gazeta Europe
Head of Ukrainian Orthodox Church stripped of Ukrainian citizenship over Russia ties — Novaya Gazeta Europe
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has signed a decree revoking the Ukrainian citizenship of Metropolitan Onufriy, primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) announced on Wednesday. According to the SBU, an investigation found that Onufriy, whose legal name is Orest Berezovsky, 'willingly obtained Russian citizenship' in 2002 without informing Ukrainian authorities. This was illegal at the time, as Ukraine did not permit dual citizenship until a new law was passed in June to ease the restrictions. In addition, Onufriy 'deliberately opposed' the UOC's acquisition of canonical independence, and continues to 'maintain ties' with the Russian Orthodox Church and its Patriarch Kirill, known for his staunch support of the war, despite Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the SBU said. Responding to a request for comment regarding the SBU's statements, a UOC representative denied the accusations and said Onufriy had 'never applied to government agencies of other countries to obtain another citizenship'. Previously, an investigation by independent newspaper Ukrainska Pravda in April 2023 found that Onufriy repeatedly obtained Russian identity documents, including foreign passports, in 1998 and 2003. At the time, Onufriy did not deny having formerly possessed Russian citizenship, but stated that he had received it 'de facto' after the collapse of the Soviet Union, before 'renouncing' it as relations between Moscow and Kyiv deteriorated. 'I spoke out against Russia's war with Ukraine and condemned Russian aggression. I consider myself a citizen only of Ukraine,' Onufriy said in 2023. Although the UOC declared its 'complete autonomy and independence' from the Moscow Patriarchate in May 2022, it is not technically an autocephalous religious body, meaning that it remains canonically subordinate to Moscow and recognised as part of the Russian Orthodox Church. It is distinct from the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), established in 2018 as a completely separate institution that has distanced itself as far as possible from the Russian Orthodox Church. The OCU's congregation is growing in Ukraine as more and more formerly UOC parishes realign themselves to fall under its authority. At the start of 2024, 29% of religious organisations in Ukraine were subordinate to the UOC, while the OCU controlled 22%.
Russia Today
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Russia Today
Kiev strips citizenship from head of largest Christian church
Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky has revoked the citizenship of the seniormost bishop of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), the SBU security agency reported on Wednesday. According to the agency, it has evidence that 80-year-old Metropolitan Onufry obtained Russian citizenship in 2002, and thus was no longer eligible to hold Ukrainian citizenship. Zelensky has reportedly ordered the church leader to no longer be considered a Ukrainian national, although his office has yet to publish the decree. Zelensky's government has been cracking down on the largest religious organization in Ukraine for years, claiming the measures are necessary due to the UOC's historic ties with Russia. The broad campaign of criminal investigations against the clergy has been accompanied by the seizure of property by supporters of the rival Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), which is backed by Kiev. The UOC says it is being victimized by the government. The SBU alleged that Onufry 'deliberately opposed canonical independence of the Ukrainian church from the Moscow Patriarchy,' referring to the spiritual connection between the two churches originating from the times of Imperial Russia. The creation of the rival OCU in 2019 and its recognition by the Patriarch of Constantinople caused a major rift among world's Orthodox churches. The UOC has been de facto independent from Moscow since the 1990s, but maintained the canonical connection that lent it inter-church legitimacy. Last year, the Ukrainian parliament passed a law that effectively threatened a ban on the UOC unless it cut the spiritual link to Russia. The UN and international human rights organizations have accused Kiev of overreach and interference with the freedom of religion by mandating a specific way of worshiping God. DETAILS TO FOLLOW
