CELEX: 51980PC0382
Language: en
Date: 1980-07-11
Title: Proposal for a COUNCIL DECISION ADOPTING A SECOND PROGRAMME OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FOR THE EUROPEAN ATOMIC ENERGY COMMUNITY IN THE FIELD OF URANIUM EXPLORATION AND EXTRACTION (INDIRECT ACTION 1981-1984) (submitted to the Council by the Commission)

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DOCUMENTS "COM"
COM (80) 382
Vol. 1980/0135
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 ---pagebreak--- COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
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                                                           BrusseCsrJ 11 July 1980
                                 Proposal for a
                                COUNCIL DECISION
         ADOPTING A SECOND PROGRAMME OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
             FOR THE EUROPEAN ATOMIC ENERGY COMMUNITY IN THE
                FIELD OF URANIUM EXPLORATION AND EXTRACTION
                         ( INDIRECT ACTION 1981-1984 )
               ( submitted to the Council by the Commission )
 C0M(80 ) 382 final
 ---pagebreak---                                         - 2 -
                                  TABLE OF CONTENTS
                                                                        Page
I.      INTRODUCTION                                                        3
        1.1   Uranium needs                                                 3
        1.2   Uranium exploration in the Community                          7
II .   THE FIRST R&D URANIUM EXPLORATION AND EXTRACTION PROGRAMME :
                 OBJECTIVES AND EXPECTED RESULTS .                          8
III . SECOND PROGRAMME ON URANIUM EXPLORATION AND EXTRACTION               11
       A.      SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL CONTENT                       ,    11
       1.      R & D ON URANIUM EXPLORATION                                11
       1.1     Discovery of uranium provinces - uranium geology
               and metallogeny                      *                      11
       1.2     Exploration techniques                                      13
       1.3     Transportation and deposition of uranium                    17
       1.4     Bore-hole logging                                           18
       2.      RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT IN URANIUM EXTRACTION
               AND REC0VERY                                               20
                             l
     . 2.1     Recovery of uranium from phosphoric acid liquors           20
       2.2     Recovery of uranium from phosphatic rocks            -     20
       2.3     Extraction-of uranium from the wastes of phosphate
               rock treatment                                             20
       2.4     Recovery of uranium by dump , heap , bacterial or
               in-situ leaching                                           22
       2.5     High temperature , high pressure . leaching                23
       2.6     Extraction of uranium and other values from calcines
               and low grade sources                                      23
       2.7     Other technical aspects related to the uranium
               mining industry                                           '23
       B.      FINANCING AND MANAGEMENT OF THE R & D PROGRAMME
       PROPOSAL FOR A COUNCIL DECISION                                    25
             . ANNEX A                                                    27
       FINANCIAL DATA                                      . .            29
       OPINION OF THE SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL COMMITTEE       -          33
 ---pagebreak---  INTRODUCTION
 The present proposal provides for a follow-up to the first research
 and development programme in the field of uranium exploration and ex­
traction which was adopted by the Council on 6 March 1978 ( 1 ), and
which ends on 31 December 1980 .
In order to ensure the necessary continuity of the Community research
effort in this field , a new four-year action is now proposed . It is
planned , however , to group this action on 1 January 1982 with others
into a comprehensive R&D programme in the sector of raw materials ,
subdivided into subprogrammes , of which the present proposal would
be one . Such grouping is in line with the conclusions of the Research
Council of 20 December 1979 which recommended to concentrate Community
R&D programmes in sectors of priority interest ( including energy ,
raw materials , environment , agriculture and certain industrial R&D
sectors ) and to rationalize the procedures for the preparation , adop­
tion and implementation of these programmes . The proposed grouping is
delayed by one year to make it coincide with the end of the current
R&D programme on primary raw materials ,( 2 ).
Community sponsorship of R & D in uranium exploration and extraction
is one of the actions to ensure adequate and secure supplies of natu­
ral uranium for the Community , in which the Commission is at present
engaged .                       v
Inside the Community , the Commission is partially funding uranium
exploration , under article 70 of the Euratom Treaty . Furthermore , the
Commission is acting outside the Community to facilitate the supply
of uranium to the Member States by improving the conditions for the
Community 's industry to operate abroad in uranium exploration and
production .
The need to finance R&D should be seen in the light of the Commu­
nity 's expanding requirements for natural uranium . More advanced
uranium exploration methods and uranium extraction and recovery tech­
nology must be developed to discover new deposits as well as to
evaluate and exploit potential uranium resources .
1.1       Uranium needs
          On 1 January 1979, the total electrical power plant capacity
          of the European Community was 303 GWe ( gross ), di stributed as
          follows ( 3 ) :
                                                6We ( gross )
          Conventional thermal plants              232.2
          Hydroelectric power plants                45.3
          Nuclear power plants                      25.6
                                      Total EC     303.1
 ( 1 ) 0J L72    of 14 March 1978
 ( 2 ) 0J L72    of 14 March 1978
 ( 3) Investment, projects in the electricity sector of the Community
                                                    COM ( 79 ) 719 final
 ---pagebreak---            Out of the net electricity production in the Community in-1979
           of some 1.18 million GWh , approximately 10.8% was produced from
           nuclear energy against 10.2% in 1978 (1 ). This represents a saving
           of the order of 28 million tonnes of oil equivalent . The general
           trend for electrical production in the European Community is
           towards the development of solid fuel and nuclear power stations
           and a gradual reduction of oil and gas fired power plants .
           At its meeting of 13 February 1975 the Council advocated the
           development of economical and secure uranium resources within
           the Community and the examination of - whether and how action
           should be taken in several fields including prospecting for
           minerals . In the Commission 's paper concerned with energy ob­
           jectives of the Community for 1990 and the convergence of poli­
           cies -for the Member States ( 2 ), it was stated that the Community 's
           energy objectives should include :
           -   increasing use of solid - fuels and nuclear energy for
              electrical production ,
           -  development of domestic resources of conventional forms
              of energy and promotion of new energies ,
           -   diversification of security of external supply ,
           -   price policies aiming at covering the costs of supplying
               energy , ensuring the equilibrium of energy balance and
               encouraging energy saving .                                 ,
           In this paper the Commission also stated that actions were re­
           quired to increase the use of solid fuels and nuclear energy ,
           which , together , should cover 70-75% at least of the production
           of electricity . In real terms this means that each Member State
           should contribute to the achievement of this overall percentage
           for the Community , in particular :
           -  creating a greater solid fuel burning capacity in power
              stations and certain industries ,
           -   restoration of nuclear energy programmes as far as possible-
          At present ( 1980 ) within the Community we have in the region
          of 31.6 GWe installed       electrical capacity generated by nuclear
          energy . The present forecasts as indicated in table I could be ,
          by the end of 1985 , in the region of 75 GWe and by 1990 in the
           region of 130 GWe . In 1980, this represents a requirement of
          about 11,400 tonnes natural uranium but obviously this require­
          ment will increase significantly .
( 1 ) Eurostat provisional figures - Electrical energy 6.2.80
( 2 ) C0M(79)316                           1
 ---pagebreak---                                    TABLE      I
             FORECASTS FOR NUCLEAR ELECTRICAL CAPACITY AND URANIUM NEEDS
                            ( Period 1980 - 1990 )
                                                 1980     1985    1990
            Installed nuclear electrical
            capacity ( in GWe )                  31.6   ^  75      130
            % of the total electrical
               capacity                          12        26       35
            Uranium needs
            (m 1000 tonnes )                     11.4      16       24
            Uranium demand cumulated
            from year 1980                       11.4      90      200
            The Member States import about SO /, of their natural uranium
            requirements , the EC uranium production being in the region
            of 2.300 tonnes with France , by far the most important pro­
           ducer ( see Table II ). Not only is our dependence on imports in
           natural uranium likely to increase , but the actual amount of
           natural uranium required is also going to increase sharply un­
           til at least 1990 ( see Table I ). Our present reasonably
           assured uranium resources as shown in Table III Qan
           only cover a part of our needs and the additional uranium re­
           sources remain to be found , mainly with the development of new
           exploration techniques . The uranium potential of several member
           countries ffor example Ireland , Denmark ( Greenland )^ needs to
           be further evaluated and may add some additional resources .
           These additional possible resources , together with R&D efforts
           in extraction ( for example uranium from phosphate rocks ) can . de­
           crease our dependence on foreign countries and improve the deficit
           of our balance of payments whilst providing new methods for the
           Community 's industry applicable inside and outside the EC .
                                 TABLE       II
                                                                     . (1 )
                     URANIUM PRODUCTION IN THE COMMUNITY ( in tonnes )
                                 pré 1977     1977      1978     1979 ( planned )
           FRANCE                23,133      2,097     2,183    2,180
           FEDERAL REPUBLIC
           OF GERMANY               151.1        14.7     41.1   n.a .
           TOTAL EC              23,284.1    2,111.7   2,224.1
           TOTAL W. WORLD       469,933     28,852    33,900
( 1 ) Source : Uranium - reserves , production and demand
                NEA and AIEA - 0ECD report Dec . 1979
 ---pagebreak---                                TABLE           - III
                 .  URANIUM RESERVES AND ADDITIONAL RESOURCES ( 1000 tonnes U )
                            I. Reasonably assured resources
                                                                          Total
             cost range             4.% 80 / kg U    i 80-130 / kg U at<2 130 / kg U
             DENMARK ( Greenland )                        27.                  27
           ' FRANCE                     39.6              15.7                 55.3  '
             FEDERAL REPUBLIC
             OF GERMANY                  4                 0.5                   4.5
             ITALY                                         1.2'                  1-2
             TOTAL EC                   43.6              44.4                 88.0
             TOTAL WEST . WORLD      1,850             * 740            '  2,590
                           II . Estimated additional resources ( 1000 tonnes U )
                                                                          Tota l
             cost range            <Ct 80 / kg U     S 80-130 / kg U at^SS 130 / kg U
             DENMARK ( Greenland )                        16                   16
             FRANCE                     26.2              20                   46.2
             FEDERAL REPUBLIC
             OF GERMANY                  7.0               0.5                   7.5
             ITALY                                         2                     2
            TOTAL EC                    33.2              38.5                71.7
            TOTAL WEST . WORLD      1,480         -     970.0              2,450
( 1 ) Source : Uranium. - reserves , production and demand
                NEA and AIEA - OECD report Dec . 1979
 ---pagebreak---                                - 7 -
1.2  Uranium exploration in the Community
    Uranium exploration is one of the fields where the Community
    has an effective integrated supply policy . Since 1976 under
    article 70 of the Euratom Treaty the Commission has been
    supporting uranium exploration programmes within the Member
    States . These programmes have already been successful in out­
     lining significant new uranium resources in Greenland and Italy .
    In Germany and Ireland new uranium occurrences have been dis­
     covered . It is intended that these programmes together with the
    programmes not funded under article 70 will continue and expand
    so that a complete evaluation of the uranium potential of the
    Community can be achieved .
    In this framework , it is vital that the R&D into uranium tech­
    niques be stimulated in providing new tools for the recognition
    of new uranium provinces and specific targets to the benefit of
    the whole Community . In the same way , R & D is essential for
    improvement in ore processing methods and . recovery of uranium
    from low grade resources . Moreover , the results of the R&D
    programme could also find useful applications outside the Commu­
    nity . It should be noted that where R&D and exploration prog­
    rammes have been successful , other mechanisms are available or
    are proposed at Community level to support uranium production
    ( Euratom loans , facilities of the Euratom Supply Agency , etc .).
 ---pagebreak---                                       - 8 -
IX . THE FIRST R&D URANIUM EXPLORATION AND EXTRACTION PROGRAMME :
                         OBJECTIVES AND EXPECTED RESULTS
       On 6 March 1978 , the Council adopted the first R&D programme . on
      uranium exploration and extraction ( 1 ). The main objective was to
       increase the EC 's uranium supply for expanded needs . This required
       R & D in the areas of exploration and extraction for the following
       reasons :
      •-    rising costs of oil for which the EC is mainly "dependent on
           forei gn sources
       -    increasing world and EC demand for uraniumfor electricity
           production                              '
       -    increasing uranium prices which allow the exploitation of
            lower grade uranium resources            •
       -    the necessity of developing new prospecting techniques
            owing to the  difficulty of finding uranium deposits inside
            as well as outside the EC
       -    the necessity of developing less costly uranium extraction
            methods and new processes for the recovery of uranium from-
           potential resources .
        For uranium exploration , the R&D objectives were :      /
       -    to improve geological and interpretative skills in uranium
            exploration
       -    to improve prospecting techniques appropriate for different
            geological environments and conditions
       -    to develop methods of detection for buried mineralizations
            which cannot be found by classical methods of prospecting
       For uranium extraction , the R&D objectives were :
      -    to improve extraction of uranium from low grade ore as well     .
           as other' sources so far untapped ( e.g. phosphates )
      -    to provide new advanced technology in extraction for the       v
           benefit of the whole Community . ■
                                                                           I
      -    to develop methods of uranium recovery which achieve a significant
           cost reduction
      All of these R & >P actions are of interest to the Member States and
      not only reinforce current national R&D efforts but also avoid
( 1 ) OJ L 72 , 14 March 1978
 ---pagebreak---                                        - 9 -
    useless duplication of effort .
    The R&D projects funded under' the first programme were selected by
    the Commission after taking the opinion of the Advisory Committee on
    Programme Management on the basis of the quality and originality of their
    scientific content and their practical interest for the EC . Since most
    of the contracts began during the year 1979 only preliminary results are
    available . However , a number of interesting developments are taking place
    that could be effectively applied to uranium exploration . Progress has
- also been made in uranium extraction . In addition , the meetings organized
   by the Commission between the different participant laboratories have
   brought a fruitful ex-change of ideas and experience , a better coordina­
   tion of R & D efforts and have sometimes led to a better orientation of
   the R&D programme .
   In the area of uranium exploration , the main aim . of geology and metallo-
   geny research is to facilitate the distinction between fertile and
   sterile rocks and to improve our knowledge of the major controls of
   uranium transport and deposition .         T
   Preliminary results confirm the worth of several projects mainly based
   on rock geochemistry in defining indicator elements for the discovery
   of new uranium provinces especially in the granitic areas of the EC and
   for the location of uranium mineralizations in a given uranium province .
   These projects may lead to a considerable reduction in exploration costs
   and also may provide new tools for uranium prospecting .
   A comparative study of several mineralized and non-mineralized Permian
   basins in France appears to be valuable in defining criteria for uranium
   exploration . Such a study could be extended to other continental sedi­
   mentary formations in several Member States . These formations remain
   geologically little known but may contain important uranium resources .
 \                       .       •
   The uranium potential of several alkaline rocks has to be evaluated and
   a geochemical method is being tested for identifying primary uranium
   mineralizations .
   The on-going projects on radioactive disequilibrium between uranium and
   its . daughter products may give useful information about migration and
   deposition of uranium .                      ,
   Significant progress has also been achieved in improving hydrogeochemi cal
   prospecting under different climatic conditions for the location of
   uranium deposits in granitic areas .
   Several projects are related to the development of prospecting methods
    which are tested in the field .
    Experiments with lead isotope ratios for the location of buried uranium •
    mineralizations are in progress and the analytical problems are being
    resolved .
 ---pagebreak---                            in cri <rë îQ -
A plasma mass spectrometer of high sensitivity and accuracy is being
developed for rapid routine analysis in uranium exploration and its
performance will be improved .
A new type , of activated charcoal absorber of higher performance has been
developed for the detection of radon emanations and is being tested in •
the field together with other techniques .
The use of thermoluminescence for the discovery of buried uranium miner-
alizations is being tested on several sites , the main problem being the
interpretation of the results . This method will be compared with other
techniques in the field ( emanometry , activated charcoal absorbers , track
etch ) .                                        \
                                 .  . .                              '        \
A delayed, neutron instrument has been developed and is being tested for
the quantitative determination of uranium in bore holes . Such an instru­
ment should facilitate the evaluation of uranium ' reserves .
The Risd National Laboratory ( Denmark ) has . all the facilities for . the :
calibration of field scintillometers and spectrometers ( partly provided
through the R S D programme ) which will aid comparisons between surveys
 within the EC .   .    ..
 In the field of uranium extraction , it is , again , a little early to
 judge the results of the eight contracts awarded because of the late'
 signing of the contracts . The extraction of uranium from phosphoric
 acid liquors is attracting considerable industrial attention and 'there
 are several on-going research contracts . A project on uranium recovery
 from wet process phosphoric acid by selecting sequestering groups for
 the separation of the uranium and then incorporating these groups into
"solid substrates appears to be making positive progress . In the same .,
 area two more projects are financed by the EC , one in Belgium and one
 in Hoi land . ;
 In addition to the projects on phosphate rock ,, there i §. a project to
examine the extraction of uranium from an important deposit of .re­
fractory ore in Greenland and another project has been financed in .            1
order to study acid leaching under pressure for . recovery of uranium      ..
 reject waste originated from refractory ores . -                      /
As far as in situ leaching is concerned a project is considering the
implementation of a leaching system capable of extracting uranium from
small or low grade uranium ores in granitic environment . This project
has good potential , and if the results are encouraging , uranium could
be extracted from many small deposits scattered in the EC territory .
 ---pagebreak--- III . SECOND PROGRAMME ON URANIUM EXPLORATION AND EXTRACTION
      A.      SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL CONTENT
      1.      R & D ON URANIUM EXPLORATION
              It is very important for the EC to develop and improve methods
              for the recognition of new uranium provinces and uranium depos­
              its .. This may contribute not only to an increase of our own
              uranium reserves but also may find useful application in coun­
             tries outside the EC . N Such a R & D programme is justified
             because classical radiometric methods only give indications of
             outcropping or near surface uranium mineralizations and uranium
             deposits are becoming more difficult to find . In many cases,'
             no results can be obtained by these methods , especially in
             strongly weathered zones or in the case of deep seated uranium
             mineralizations , therefore , new methods and criteria must be
           t developed for the delineation of new uranium provinces and for
             the discovery of specific uranium targets . Most of the topics
             discussed below under the heading " exploration techniques " are
             applicable both to the discovery of new uranium provinces and .
           '.the prospecting for uranium orebodies within a known uranium
             province . Moreover' a better knowledge of the behaviour of
             uranium and its decay products can also provide new tools for
             uranium exploration and improve the interpretation of prospec­
             ting results . ^
             As a follow-up to the first programme , the aims of the R&D
         : actions in uranium exploration are :
             - to provide new techniques for exploration to the Community 's
                 industry inside and outside the EC
             - to improve our bas'ic knowledge and the interpretation of
                 data in uranium prospecting                             -
             -   to define the best methodology to be used with respect
                 to the geological and climatic environment
             - to obtain a better . coordination of R & D efforts in        ,
                 uranium exploration
             -   to reduce prospecting costs.
              A close liaison in a practical way of the R & D exploration
              programme with national prospect.ion programmes and with those
              supported under article 70 of the Euratom Treaty would be highly
          ' beneficial for the Community . The identification of research­
          , needs was also made taking into account the work done by the
              Nuclear Energy Agency (OECD ) and the International Atomic Energy
              Agency ( IAEA ) Joint group of experts on R & D in uranium ex­
              ploration techniques . .                                 -
                                    \.
              1.1     Discovery of uranium provinces - uranium geology and
                      metallogeny                                1
                      New uranium provinces could be found in the granitic and
                      volcanic areas of the EC and'in the adjacent sedimentary
                       basins . In addition, a considerable uncertainty still
                       exists on the U potential of alkaline rocks . In spite of
                       fai'rly well known U mineralizations in the Hercynian belts
                       inside , the EC , a much better fnderstanding'of the U concen
 ---pagebreak---  tration processes on a regional scale is necessary and the U
 potential of the Precambrian , Caledonian and Tertiary intru-
 sives and extrusives should be evaluated ( e.g. the Donegal
 granite ) .
 Research initiated during the first programme must be extended
 and amplified for a better understanding of the major controls
 of uranium mineralizations and to improve basic data on uranium
 ore genesis in different geological environments ( granitic , vol­
 canic , alkaline and sedimentary rocks ). The relationship of uranium
 mineralization to source rocks , tectonics and changes in rock geo­
 chemistry must be more carefully examined . Advances in this area
 are required to provide better basic information for uranium ex­
 ploration planning by the Community 's industry inside and outside
the EC .
 R & D is needed for the discovery      of new uranium provinces in
 several geological environments :
 a ) granitic areas             '
 Uranium mineralizations related to granitic intrusives are main­
  ly due to postmagmatic processes or la'ter remobi lization of the
 U contained in accessory minerals . Progress couLd be made through :
 -     the application of improved mineralogical and geochemical
       criteria allowing a differentiation between fertile and
       sterile granites ;
 -     improved understanding of remobi lization and reconcentration
      processes and the structural controls leading to uranium
      mineralizations .           -
 b ) acid volcanics ( e.g. Rheinland-Pfa Iz , Alps )         '
 Acid volcanics and associated sediments constitute a possible
 target for uranium exploration . In this area research should :
-     assess the uranium potential of acid extrusives in the EC
      and the possible structural controls of the mineralizations ;
~     increase our knowledge of the geochemistry and of processes
     which lead to U mineralizations .
c ) alkaline rocks
Uranium mineralizations may occur in alkaline rocks including
carbonatites ( e,g . Greenland , Latium ). Research will be aimed
at a better understanding of          ,
-    the uranium concentration processes;
     the geochemistry of these rocks which may^contain other valuable
     elements ;
-    the structural controls of the U mineralizations .
 ---pagebreak---                                          - 13 -
         d ) sedimentary basins
         The uranium potential of many sedimentary basins in the EC is still
         little known but recent exploration ( e.g. Aquitaine basin , France ) ,
        has clearly shown their importance as a potential resource of uranium .
         One project in the first programme concerns the Permian basins
        and. will be extended to the Tertiary basins . Several other sedi­
        mentary formations of various ages ( Precambrian , Cambrian , Devonian ,
     ' Mesozoic ) also present a future interest for uranium .
        Research will be directed at :
        -    better knowledge and comparison of the pa leogeographi ca I
             setting , stratigraphy , tectonics , geochemistry and struc­
             tural features of the different basins ;
       -     the determination of key horizons ( for example organic-rich
          • sediments ) and structural controls ( for example pa leochannels )
            for possible uranium mineralizations ;
       -    an assessment of the uranium source rbcks and the possible re- "
            mobilization of uranium ( for example by tectonic features ).
       From these basic data , it will be possible to define much better
       guidelines applicable tothe discovery of new uranium provinces
       inside and outside of the EC . Moreover , this would facilitate an
       inventory of the uranium resources of the EC and could outline
       some new favourable geological formations .
       A determination of the average content of radioactive elements on
       fresh material for. all types of rocks would also be useful . It is
      doubtful whether Clarke values have been accurately determined on
      many rocks in the past .            -
1.2    Exploration techniques
       Explorati-on techniques should be improved not only through advances
       in the tools used but also through a better interpretation of the
       data both for the discovery of new uranium provinces and for specific
       targets within a known uranium province . Such progress will be high­
       ly beneficial for exploration by the Community 's industry inside and
       outside the EC . One of the major problems, is the development of better
        prospection methods:for the discovery of buried mineralizations in
        different geological environments < granitic , sedimentary , volcanic )
        and climatic conditions . There is also a need to compare the efficiency
        of the various prospecting methods on different test site& for both
        near surface and concealed deposits in order to define the best methods
        to be used according to the environment .
1.2.1 Gamma spectrometry             .
       This method is widely used in reconnaissance surveying both for
       new uranium provinces and specific targets . More work should be
       done
 ---pagebreak---                                            14 -
           - to improve the interpretation of airborne measurements by -
             computer modelling ancf to provide an atlas of responses -
             which could be used as an aid in ai rborne gamma prospecting
             for the discovery of uranium mineralizations ;
          - to improve the interpretation of car-borne measurements ;
          - to arrive at a more quantitative analysis of radiometric
             results ," especial ly in ground measurements ;
          - to calibrate instruments .-
    1.2.2 Remote sensing    -
          The use of remote sensing techniques as an aid m defining
          uranium provinces and mineralized zones should be further .
          examined . Some interesting results have already been obtained
          using Landsat imagery in the framework of the Article 70 uranium ex­
          ploration programme . Various remote sensing techniques and image
          enhancement methods can help to identify lineaments / fractures ,
           structures or rock alteration that may "be associated with uranium
           mineralizations . They could probably also give information on the
           structure and tectonics of favourable sedimentary basins . On a
           regional or local scale airborne imagery is generally the most
           useful method ( higher resolution ). Integration of remote sensing
           data in uranium exploration may considerably facilitate the dis­
        ,  covery of uranium mineralizations ( for example vein mineraliza-
           tions ) and could reduce exploration costs . R & D in this field
           is important for
           - the assessment of remote sensing data ( multisbectral-thermal \
              infrared - side looking radar ) for the location of favourable .
              structures related to uranium mineralizations ;
           - the detection of rock alteration related to uranium minerali-
              zations by remote sensing techniques including vegetation
             patterns ;
  ■   «   - the evaluation of the application of side looking radar and
             other techniques on specific test sites in sedimentary units ;.    /
          - the improvement of data processing ( spectral signature ) and
             of the interpretation of remote sensing data.
          It also appears important to apply remote sensing techniques as a
          new tool in areas where traditional methods have been successfully
          applied . In this way it will be possible to assess the impact remote
          sensing might have made if used earlier in exploration history .
- 1.2.3 Geochemical prospecting techniques '
          St ream sediment investigations and hydrogeochemi cal prospecting
          methods are widely used for the discovery of uranium provinces
          and uranium mineralizations ; Some research is needed to improve
          analytical methods and the interpretation of results . .            *
          Further development for rapid multielement analysis is necessary ■ ■    '
 ---pagebreak---                                     - 15
        because in several cases pathfinder elements may give better
         results than uranium .
        The potential use of radium for finding uranium mineralizations   .
        should be also tested . A comparison of the efficiency of radium
        and uranium analyses for the detection of uranium mineralizations
        in different environments would also be worthwhile .
1.2.4 Rock geochemistry
     / Uranium mineralized, zones are characterized by chemical changes
       of the country rock composition often forming an alteration halo •
       of variable extension . These changes in rock geochemistry and
       their spatial extension should be more carefully investigated
       with a view to applications in the search for buried uranium
       mineralizations .         .
       R S D is necessary :
        -                                        t
       - to study the correlation between uranium and other elements
           in mineralized and unmineralized zones ;
       - to détermine pathfmder éléments applicable in a given geo-
           logical environment ;
       - to improve the quantitative interpretation of geochemical data ;
       - to develop laboratory and field instruments for rapid multi-
          element analysis .
1.2.5 Biogeochemi stry
       Biogeochemical prospecting based on the analysis of decaying
       organic material has been successfully applied in peat-bog
       areas both in reconnaissance surveying and for the localisation
       of deposits of uranium and other metals . This method could find
   '   applications in similar environments in the EC .
       Biogeochemical prospecting using living plant materials could
       also be applied in the EC and abroad especially for the discovery
       of buried mineralizations in favourable areas .
       Further research is needed to evaluate the potential use of bio-
       geochemical methods in uranium exploration .
1..2.6 Gas geochemistry
       The use of gases in uranium prospecting ( mainly Rn and He ) for
       the detection of concealed mineralizations has so far been success
       ful in only a limited number of cases . 'Items to be investigated
       are   :
 ---pagebreak---                                      - 16 -
       - the behaviour of Rn , He and other gases
          on test sites in différent geological environments
       - comparison of the efficiency of different techniques for the
          measurement of He and Rn ( emanometry , track etch , charcoal de­
          tectors ) at the surface and in groundwater with an assessment
          of these techniques in different geological environments for the
          detection of buried U mineralizations
             \
       - integration and assessment of the usefulness of other tech­
          niques such as thermoluminescence , the He / Ar ratio and other
         parameters ( U , Ra in groundwater for example )
       - assessment of radioactive aerosols in U exploration
                                                     ■5-
       - improvements on the interpretation of results taking into
          account geology - fracture pattern , hydrogeology
                                                 «
       - development of field instruments for surface and bore-hole
          gas measurements
       - improvement of sampling techniques and measurements
       - establishment of a methodology for the detection of buried
          orebodies in different geological environments and climatic
          conditions                               '     '
1.2.7 Lead isotope ratios
       The measurement of lead isotope ratios may provide valuable in­
       formation for the discovery of new uranium provinces and specific
       targets . There is a need :
       - to assess the use of lead isotope ratios in ground-              '
         water for uranium exploration ;
       - to improve the interpretation of data and compare the results
         with other methods ;
       - to assess the possi bi li ty of application of this method to sur­
         face water in relatively unpolluted areas and to common lead
         minerals .
1-2.8 Indirect geophysical methods
       Magnetic ...and electromagnetic aeri al surveys facili tate the ^
  s    mapping of geological formations which is a n essent i a I back­
    's ground for uranium exploration .. J      –
       Detai led gravity, magnetic , resistivity, polarization and.'
       seismic measurements can provide information on favourable
 ---pagebreak---                                         17
         structures for uranium deposition . Research in this field
         is necessary to improve the techniques and the interpre­
         tation of results as well as to develop instruments .
  1.2.9 Mi crotectoni es
         Fracture analysis in mineralized zones has been quite success­
        fully applied to granitic formations . It yields useful information
        on . the location of uranium mineralizations and , in addition , allows
        drilling costs to be reduced . Research is needed to :
        - improve the interpretation of results ;
           assess the method in other geological environments .
 1.3    Transportation and deposition of uranium
        A much better knowledge of the transportation and deposition of
        uranium in the magmatic cycle and during weathering is important
        for the development of new prospecting methods in uranium explo­
        ration . Fluid inclusions provide basic information about the genesis
        of uranium deposits and may possibly be used as a new tool for dis -,
        covering uranium mineralizations . The differences in behaviour bet­
        ween uranium, thorium and their decay products during weathering
        processes may give useful information for uranium exploration . A
        better understanding of the data is important for the development
        of new methodologies for the discovery of specific uranium targets
        and the recognition of new uranium provinces . R & & in this area is
        highly necessary .
 1.3.1 Fluid inclusions
        Studies on fluid inclusions are important for a better understanding
        of the processes and conditions leading to the formation of uranium
        deposits . Research must be done : • ■ ,  .
        - to improve our knowledge on the composition of fluid inclusions
           in different geological environments and on the physico-chemical
           conditions of uranium deposition ;
        - to assess the role of hydrocarbon compounds in uranium deposition ;
       - to examine the potential use of fluid inclusions as a possible new
          prospecting tool .                                               '
.1.3.2 Transportation and deposition of uranium in the hydrogeochemi ca I
        envi ronment                        '
        Uranium is usually mobile in the hydrogeochemi ca I environment ,
        however , it is still difficult to interpret anomalous uranium
 ---pagebreak---                                        - 18 -
        values as the controls acting in this environment are not fully
        understood . Additional work on the transportation of uranium
        and other accompanying elements in water , their transfer to soi I ,
        lake sediments and vegetation in known uranium . districts is re­
        quired , to improve knowledge of physico-chemical controls .
1.3.3 Radioactive disequilibrium
        The variation in the abundance of daughter , products from U238 /
        u235 and Th232 is one of the most useful tools for studying geo­
        chemical processes involved in the migration of uranium ( e.g.
        the Rosholt method ). Interpretation of radioactive di sequi Librium
        data could be very helpful in uranium exploration for the location
        of uranium deposits especially in sedimentary envi ronments as well
        as for defining new uranium provinces .     Research in this area
        is important for the development of new methods for uranium pro­
        specting :                                 ,
        - Identification of uranium solution pathways through decay
           products ;
        - Development of a methodology for the measurement and inter­
           pretation of results ;
        - Assessment of the applications of radioactive disequilibrium
           data in uranium exploration on a regional scale ;                 ,
        - Applications of radio-isotope data to the discovery of new
           uranium provinces .
1.4     Bore-hole logging
        There is a need to develop new instruments for measurements in
        bore holes and also to improve the interpretation of results .
        Special emphasis must be given here to direct measurement of
        uranium in situ as gamma spectrometry logging is not accurate
     ■ enough owing to the frequent radioactive disequilibrium between
       uranium and its decay products .
1.4.1 Direct measurement of uranium in situ
       The direct measurement of uranium in situ is especially valuable
       in assessing reserves , the most important step before the develop­
       ment of any mine . The techniques available at present ( X-ray
       fluorescence , neutron activation ) have yet to be fully developed .
   ,   Assessment - of these- techniques and development of improved
       instruments is required .
       Data processing and interpretation of bore-hole logging also present
       difficult problems . Refinement of these is necessary .
 ---pagebreak---                               - 19 -
1.4.2 Other instruments for in situ measurements
      Besides uranium , measurements of other physico-chemical para­
      meters ( such as resistivity , conductivity , pH etc .) in bore
      holes are necessary . There is in this field a need for develop­
      ment of instrumentation and an improvement in data processing
      and interpretation .
 ---pagebreak---                                      - 20 -
                          t
2 . RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT IN URANIUM EXTRACTION AND RECOVERY
     The Commission , with the help of the members of the ACPM and of
      contractors has analysed the state of R & D activities on uranium
     processing and recovery in the various Member States .
      It appears that there is still considerable interest in this field
     because world demand in uranium is still important , the degree of -
   . dependency on outside sources is very high and there is a need to
      support EC industry in order to develop advanced technologies .
     Knowing that uranium resources within the Community are limited ,
     R&D efforts ( and , in some cases , demonstration projects ) are
     needed at Community level to stimulate interest in the winning of
     uranium from various resources , including low'grade ores .
     The research topics selected would bring , in the medium and long
     term , a significant reduction in processing costs or lead to ura­
     nium being obtained from domestic sources which have not so far
     been widely exploited .
      In addition , R&D activities should be implemented at EC level in
     order to help European industry develop advanced technologies that
      could represent an important benefit for the EC members . Exporting
     advanced processes of uranium extraction from uranium-bearing ma­
     terials may have an impact on the balance of payments of the Member
      States .
     These research efforts would :
             '  I
     -   be of direct or indirect interest to all Member States
     -   complément or reinforce current national R & D efforts
     -   avoid useless duplication of national R&D efforts .
     As a follow-up to the first programme ,. R & D activity in uranium
     extraction and recovery will cover the topics of :
     -   recovery of uranium from phosphoric acid liquors , from phosphatic
         rocks and from wastes produced during phosphate rock treatment .
    -    in-situ leaching ( chemical and / or bacterial )
    -    leaching applied to dumps and heaps
    -    bacterial leaching
    -   high temperature , high pressure leaching . In particular , applica­
        tion to ores that are difficult to treat conventionally
    -   extraction of uranium and other values from calcines and low
        grade ores                      . -       •
    "   other techni cal- aspects rel'ated to the -uranium mining industry .
 ---pagebreak---                                      - 21 -
  2.1    Recovery of uranium from phosphoric acid liquors
        Phosphate rock containing 50 to 200 ppm of U is imported into
        EC countries for the production of approximately 4 Mtpa P2O5 .
        A large part of the uranium is present in phosphoric acid pro­
        cess Liquors and there is the potential for recovering up to
        1500 tpa of U3O3 .
        Uranium prices offer the phosphate industry an attractive reason
        for recovering uranium as a by-product of fertilizer manufacture .
        Recovery from phosphoric acid liquors would mean keeping an im­
       portant resource to augment the EC 's uranium supply while at the '
       same time removing a radioactive contaminant from process resi­
       dues and fertilizers .
       Various uranium recovery processes based on precipitation, solvent
       extraction and ion exchange have been developed but , whilst some
       of these processes have been utilized at full plant scale, the
       existing processes are not yet universally applicable because they
       are only economically viable at throughputs which are appreciably
       higher than the throughputs in many pho6phoric acid plants , par­
      ticularly in Europe . Also there are difficulties in applying these
      processes to recover uranium from highly concentrated phosphoric     '
      acid liquors .
      It is proposed that alternative processes be examined involving
      the use of solvent extraction and ion exchange techniques but
      with novel reagents leading to economic recovery of uranium from
      highly concentrated acid liquors . Particular consideration will be
      given to proposals on the development of " second generation" plants
      and extractants and to proposals for processes dealing directly
      with impure " black " phosphoric acid Liquors . Cheap processes and
      technologies capable of being operated at small to medium sized
      phosphoric acid plants is an area where work is particularly needed .
      Depending on the results of the work already supported by the
      Commission on this topic in the first R&D programme , proposals
      for demonstration projects ( pilot plants ) could be supported .
2.2   Recovery of uranium from phosphatic rocks
      The potential of phosphatic rocks located in EC countries as
      hosts for uranium deposits is interesting and some occurrences
      have already been identified . Mineralogical studies and labor- •
      atory tests have been initiated to identify the technological
      solutions to recover uranium . As a second stage of development
      pilot scale work could follow the successful completion of
      laboratory work .
2.3   Extraction of uranium from the wastes of phosphate rock treatment
      It is well known that in phosphoric acid and fertilizers production ,
      some of the uranium remains in certain wastes such as . leach residues
      and phosphogypsum . These wastes present disposal problems . If the
      resultsof the initial activity so far supported are encouraging
      it is proposed to support studies at pilot scale .
 ---pagebreak---                               - 22
 Recovery of uranium by dump , heap , bacterial or in-situ leaching
 Dump , heap , bacterial and in-situ leaching techniques have many
 features in common , although they are applicable to different -
 types of ore bodies .
 The percolation Leaching of dumps or heaps is an operation with -
 low capital and running costs and is thus applicable to low grade
ores ( particularly small deposits ) or residues whose treatment by
more conventional energy-intensive routes would be uneconomic .
Although the technique is easily applied , the mechanism of
dissolution of the uranium in a dump or heap is often complex ,
being related to many factors including the mechanism of acid
 attack and the production of bacteria within the ore pile , and
 the achievement of satisfactory results is not always very 'certain ^
Whilst being a fundamental part - of many heap , dump and in-situ
 leaching operations , bacterial leaching can also be used as an
 alternative technique for the treatment of small , high grade
 deposits .                                                   ...
 Bacterial leaching processes in their various forms ( vat leaching ,
 stope leaching , bacterial regeneration of lixiviants ) may have     ,
 several advantages over chemical attack such as savings in chemicals
 reduced capital-cost and lowering of cut-off grade of ores . So far ,
 the technique of bacterial leaching has only been applied to sulphide
 ores , but if technically possible , it would be particularly advan­
 tageous if it could be applied to ores which require a high energy '
 input for treatment . It is possible that bacterial leaching could be
 applied to other types of ores ( e.g. in sandstones ). Support will be
 given for work on all aspects of this topic including the gather­
 ing of engineering design parameters .               : .
 For large deposits , in situ-leaching can offer a means of economical
exploitation where the investment in capital required for treating
such deposits by conventional means is high enough to preclude
working .   ...                    ,          '
The problems encountered in dump and heap leaching , e.g. difficulty
in predicting flow patterns and hence overall recoveries , are , even
more difficult to solve when leaching in-situ due to , amongst other
things , problems in controlling rock fracture patterns and reagent
flow .
With the above points in mind , and having regard to the results from
the activity initiated in the first programme , there is a need to
continue this action . Tests will be carried out using in-situ
leaching techniques with acid or alkaline solutions . Special care
will be placed on the preparation of the ore deposits :
--   to prevent envi ronmental pollution , particularly
     of groundwater            • „       ;•             ;
- . to improve contact between ores and reagent .
 ---pagebreak---                                        - 23 -
           This recovery technique will be tested on other suitable sites
           in order to assess its merits .
 2.5      High temperature , high pressure leaching
          The use of high temperatures and pressures for leaching can be
          an effective means of treatment for several different types of
          ore . Refractory and / or low grade ores and wastes can be treated
          in this way as can other ores which are difficult to treat con­
          ventionally e.g. basic rocks . The reasons for this are several .
       , The lixiviant is rendered more aggressive , reaction kinetics are
          improved , and , in addition , the use of conventional oxidants can
         often be avoided due to the increased activity of oxygen or air .
         It has also been claimed that leaching of this kind can be use­
         ful where solid / liquid separation is a problem , particularly for
         clay materials .
         Laboratory and pilot trials of this technique will be supported .
     . Due to the high energy input necessary for this leaching method ,
         support will also be given to studies' of economic feasibility ,
        particularly on low grade ores or wastes before passing to the
        pi lot plant scale .
2.6     Extraction of uranium and other values from calcines and low
        grade sources
        The EC , has large reserves of materials which , when calcined ,
        could provide useful sources of uranium and other values e.g.
        aluminium , vanadium etc . Materials falling into this category
        include oil and coal shales , lignites , peat , coal etc . Most
        of these materials have intrinsic value as-sources of energy ,
        but after use it is found that the uranium is concentrated in
        the ash and the fly-ash . Projects to recover uranium and other
        values from these materials which often present a disposal problem ,
        will be supported .
2.7     Other technical aspects related to the uranium mining industry
        The development of the uranium mining industry requires R&D
         for improving techniques related in particular to the treatment
         of effluents , the storage of mining wastes , the stabilization of
         tailings ponds and reclamation after exploitation . Mining and
         processing of low grade ores as well as the use of leaching pro­
         cesses present special problems in this respect .
         R & D will be promoted in the areas of
         -   improvement in the processing of effluents
         -   storage of mining wastes and reclamation of mining sites
         -   long-term stability of tailings ponds .
 ---pagebreak---                                       - 24 -
B.   FINANCING AND MANAGEMENT OF THE R&D PROGRAMME
     1 . The programme will be executed as a Community indirect action
          programme . The contribution of the Community to the funding of
          this indirect action is estimated at 8 MEUA for the period of
          four years ( 1981-1984 ). This amount is deemed necessary to allow
 •        for the application of the results from the first programme in
          field work ( exploration R&D ) and in industrial pilot plants
           ( extraction R & D ) as well as to initiate new projects .
          The indicative distribution of funds between research areas will
          be as follows :                 '
                           exploration : 45 - 554 ;    , .
                           extraction   : 45 - 55% .
          The definite allocation , of course , wjll be made after examma -  ,
          tion of the proposals received following a call for tenders .
     2 . The Commission will execute the programme in close collaboration
          with the Advisory Committee on Programme Management already
          established by the Council of Ministers for the first programme.'
          The Committee will examine- all R & D proposals submitted and advise
          the Commission on their relative merits . It will follow up the pro­
          jects during their execution and evaluate them upon completion . It
   '      will { also make recommendations on new research needs and priori­
          ties for the continuation of the programme .
     3 . As indicated in the introduction ( page 3 ) as of 1 January 1982 the
          programme will become a subprogramme of the new sectorial R&D
        N programme in the field of raw materials , to be submitted to the
          Council in 1981 . This should allow for greater flexibility in re­
          search management , i.e. in view of the fact that another subprog-
          ramme ( on primary raw materials ) will include several related •
          topics which could be coordinated as much as practicable with the
          actions undertaken under the uranium subprogramme . .
 ---pagebreak---                                        - 25 -
              PROPOSAL FOR A COUNCIL DECISION ADOPTING A SECOND PROGRAMME
         OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FOR THE EUROPEAN ATOMIC ENERGY COMMUNITY
                 IN THE FIELD OF URANIUM EXPLORATION AND EXTRACTION
                                        /
                           ( INDIRECT ACTION 1981-1984 )
The Council of the European Communities ,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy
Community, and in particular Article 7 thereo.f ;
Having regard to the proposal of the Commission submitted after con­
sultation with the Scientific and Technical Committee ;
Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament ;
Whereas , under the common scientific and technological policy, the
multi-annual programme of research and development is one of the
     •V
Community 's essential ways of contributing to the development of
nuclear industries, and to the acquisition and dissemination of
knowledge in the nuclear sector ;
Whereas the Community depends to a great extent on non-member countries
for its natural uranium supply, and whereas therefore the Community 's
 interest is to develop the existing resources on its territory ;
 Whereas an extension and development of the Community research action
 in the field of uranium exploration and extraction would contribute to
 the realization of the above-mentioned objectives ;
        ν
 Whereas in its deliberations of 20 December 1979 the Council invited
 the Commission to concentrate Community research programmes in sectors
 of priority interest , including energy and raw materials , and to
 rationalize the structures for the preparation, adoption and implement-
                                              I
 ation of these programmes ;
 ---pagebreak---                                    - 26
Whereas the Council takes note of the intention' of the Commission to
submit in 1981 a proposal for a research programme in the sector of
raw materials in which the present programme will be included ;
Whereas a review of the above-mentioned research programme in the sector
of raw materials , including the present programme as a subprogramme , will
be carried out during its execution .
                                                               »
HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS :
                                   Article 1
A programme of research and development on uranium exploration and uranium
extraction as set out in the Annex shall be adopted for a period of four
years starting on 1 January 1981 .
                                   Article 2
For the implementation of this programme - the maximum amount of the ex-
                                I
penditure commitments is estimated at 8 million European units of account
and the maximum staff required is estimated to be three persons . The unit
of account is defined according to the financial regulations in force . . •
                                   Done at Brussels
                                   For the Counci I
                                  The President
 ---pagebreak---                               - 27 -
                                                     ANNEX
                   PROGRAMME CONTENT
1.   Research and development on uranium exploration
1.1  Discovery of uranium provinces - uranium geology and metallogeny
     -   Granitic areas
         Acid volcani cs
     -   Alkalme rocks
     -   Sedimentary basins
1.2  Exploration techniques
         Gamma spectrometry              .
     -   Remote sensing
     -   Geochemical prospecting techniques
         Rock geochemistry
         Biogeochemi stry
         Gas geochemistry
     -   Lead isotope ratios
         Indirect geophysical methods
     -   Mi crotectom es
1 .3 Transportation and deposition of uranium
         Fluid inclusions
     -   Transportation and deposition of uranium in the
         hydrogeochemical environment
         Radioactive disequilibrium
1.4  Bore-hole logging
         Direct measurement of uranium in situ
         Other instruments for in situ measurements
 ---pagebreak---                               28 -
2. Research and development in uranium extraction and recovery
   2.1   Recovery of uranium from phosphoric acid Liquors
   2.2   Recovery of uranium from phosphatic rocks
                                           «
   2.3   Extraction of uranium from the waste of phosphate
         rock treatment
   2.4   Recovery of uranium by dump , heap , bacterial or
         in situ leaching "                          v
   2.5   High temperature , high pressure leaching
   2.6   Extraction of uranium and other values frorrt
         calcines and low grade sources
   2.7   Other technical aspects related to the uranium
         mining industry
 ---pagebreak---                                       - 29 -
                                 FINANCIAL DATA
1 . BUDGET CHAPTER : 3350-3
2.  HEADING OF THE BUDGET TITLE :
    Primary and secondary raw materials - Uranium exploration and
    extraction ( indirect action 1981-1984 )
3.  JURIDICAL BASIS : Article 7 of EAEC Treaty
4.  DESCRIPTION -. OBJECTIVES AND JUSTIFICATION OF ACTION
    4.1   Description
          '                                      •
          2nd programme on uranium exploration and extraction .
          Research programme carried out by means of cost-sharing
          contracts ( indirect action ) with research organizations
          in the Member States , in the following areas :
          a ) research and development in uranium exploration
        < b ) research and development in uranium extraction and
               recovery .
    4.2   Objectives
          R&D aimed at :
                              *
          a ) increasing the self-supply potential of the EC
               in uranium
          b ) developing new techniques for exploration and
               exploitation of uranium deposits
          c ) developing advanced extraction technology and
                reducing ore processing costs .
    4.3   Justification
           Preliminary results obtained from research realized under the
            first programme proved the usefulness and necessity of a second
           programme . Actions carried out at Community level optimize the
           productivity of research undertaken in the Member States , by
            avoiding useless duplication and filling gaps . They also make
            it possible to concentrate the potential of research organiza­
            tions in the Member States on problems of common interest and
            facilitate the development of advanced technologies .
 ---pagebreak---                                                      - 30 -
                 5.    FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS IN RESPECT OF INTERVENTIONS APPROPRI ATIONS
                     ( including expenditure on staff and administrative and technical
                       expenditure )
                 5.1 Total cost for the expected duration                      8,000,000            EUA
                 5.2 Proportion financed from :
                       - the Community budget                                  8,000/ 000'          EUA
                       - national budgets                                                           EUA
                       - other sectors at national level                                            EUA
                 5.3 Multirannual timetable
                 5.3.1.1        Appropriations for comni trtient -                     m EUA
Type of                       1981              1982         1933             1934          TOTAL
expenditure                                                   '
      4
Staff                      |    158,400 i       171,200
                                                         i
                                                                185 ,.100     200,100         714,800
Administration                   50,000           54,000 I       58,400        59,900         222,300
                                                                        "•I
Contracts ..             ]   3,502,600       ' 500,800 I    3,059,500                      7,062,900
                          I
Total                        3,711,000          726,000 - 3,303,000           260,000      8,000,000
                  5.3.1 .2        Appropriations for payment                                in EUA
 Type of
                               1981             1982            1983          1984             1985      TOTAL
 expendi ture
                                                                                   \
                                        i
                                                                                             I   -
 Staff     ■ • _                158,400         171,200         185,100       200,100                      714,800
Administration                   50,000        ' 54,000          58,400        59,900                      222,300
                                      1
                                                                                                         ç
 Contracts                   1,752,600    . 2,000,800       2,078,500       1,099,000          132,000  7,062,900
                                                 «
Total-                       1,961,000      2,226,000       2,322,000       1,359,000 . i     132,000   8,000,000
 ---pagebreak---  5.3.2 Evaluation method
          ( included multiannual previsions )
        a ) Staff expenditure             -
               The needs are estimated to be 3 staff for this programme .
               1981-1984 (4 years )
               2 category A staff
               1 category C staff
                          \
               In addition to staff number estimates , the calculations
               also take account of the rates of salary increases of Com­
              mission staff used to estimate the appropriations entered
               in the 1981 budget ; the estimated overall increases in the
              general Community price index used in drawing up the trien­
              nial estimates , i.e. 8.1% per annum .
       b ) Administrative and / or technical expenditure
              This expenditure specifically covers the cost of missions
              and the organization of meetings . It has been estimated on
              the basis of average requirements .
       c ) Expenditure on contracts
              This expenditure covers the financial participation of the
              Community in research carried out under cost-shared contracts
              ( studies , research etc ) to be concluded with research insti­
              tutions in the Member States speciatized in the field . Since
              the specific nature of the various topics and the qualifi­
              cations of the contracting parties are > likely to vary , it
        .     has not been possible to devise a uniform method of calcu­
              lation . Consequently , the estimate 'of requirements is a
              hypothetical one based on the number of contracts to be
              negotiated and on average financial participation by the
              Community approximating to 50% of total costs . At all events ,
              the Advisory Committee on Programme Management will be con­
              sulted over the allocation of the appropriations .
FINANCIAL IMPLICATION IN RESPECT OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR STAFF AND
CURRENT ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENDITURE :
( see point 5 above )
 ---pagebreak---                                    32
7. FINANCING OF EXPENDITURE :
   7.4    The requisite appropriations to cover the Community 's -
          participation in this project are to be entered under
          future budgets .
8. IMPLICATIONS IN RESPECT OF REVENUE :       '  _
   - Community taxes on officials' salaries
   - Officials' contributions to the pension scheme
9. T-YPE OF MONITORING TO BE APPLIED
   - Administrative checks by the DG for Financial Control with
      regard to the implementation of the budget and to ensure that
      the expenditure has been incurred in a regular and proper
      manner plus checks carried out by the Contracts Service of
      DG XII .
   - Scientific checks : ACPM ;
                           Competent officials from DG XII .
 ---pagebreak---                                        - 33 -
       OPINION OF THE SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL COMMITTEE ON THE PROPOSAL
          FOR A -1981-1984 PROGRAMME ON URANIUM EXPLORATION AND EXTRACTION
 At its meeting of 29 April 1980 the Scientific and Technical Committee
 examined and discussed the " Proposal for a Council Decision adopting a
 second    programme of research and development for the European Atomic
 Energy Community on Uranium exploration and Uranium extraction" ( Doc . XII /
364 / 80-EN ).   "
This proposal is concerned with a four-year ( 1981-1984 ) programme as a
follow-up of the current R&D programme 1978-1980 in the field of uranium
exploration and extraction . It would be carried out by means of cost-
sharing contracts ( indirect action ) with research organizations and industry
from the Member States .                         •
Funding for this indirect action by the Community is estimated at a maximum
of 10 MEUA for 4 years to cover about half of the total cost of the research
and development actions to be carried out . Of this amount about 50 per cent
should go to research in uranium exploration and the other 50 per cent for
R&D actions in uranium extraction as defined in the proposal ( Doc . XII /
364 /80-EN ).
The Committee considers that the Commission 's proposal is well justified
as it would provide for the extension , development and application of re­
search initiated under the first programme .
The Committee notes the relatively large increase of funding requested , but
in view of the strategic importance of the subject , the Committee considers
this increase to be justified . However while implementing the programme , the
Commission should devote special care in the selection of the research pro­
posals which are to be supported .
 In view of the foreseeable needs of the Community in natural uranium for
 electricity generation , the large degree of dependence on outside sources
 of supply, the increasing difficulties to find new. deposits and the Long
 lead time necessary to bring into production a newly detected deposit or a
 new extraction technology , it is clearly in the interest of the Community
 to increase every possibility of self supply, whether from small high-grade
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 deposits , or large Low-grade deposits , residues and other resources , ar,d to
 develop know-how to be used by Community industry in its world-wide opera­
 tions . The R&D programme proposed would complement usefully the Community
 efforts to promote uranium prospection on its territory ( Article 70 activi­
ties ) or outside as well as other actions aimed at ensuring sufficient and
secure supplies of natural uranium .
The Committee notes that the health und environmental aspects of uranium
extraction are being pursued in the frame of the " Biology-Health Protec­
tion " programme .  '                                     ,       •    ^
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The Scientific and Technical Committee is of the" opinion that the proposed
R&D programme on uranium exploration and uranium extraction is adequate
as to content , financial volume , and duration ," and recommends its adoption
by Counci I .