"The Dark Side of Uranium Mining: From Potential Benefits to Environmental Concerns."
INTRODUCTION :
(for Representation only)
(Nuclear power project for representation)
(Environmental and Health concerns for Representation)
(Radioactive wastage after processing uranium : for representation)
(uranium for representation)
(Namitha soren with her child. Victim of Nuclear power project)
(Victims of Jaduguda Nuclear power project)
(Chernobyl nuncler plant disaster in 1986)
(Radiation in Chernobyl nuclear power plant)
(UCIL PROJECT OF THUMMALAPALLE)
(Uranium mining area for representation)
(UCIL ESTABLISHED in 1967)
(Infections due to radiation :Thummalapalle)
(Local farmer showing his farm corps)
(Villager cattle cows suffering from disease)
(Villagers of Thummalapalle)
(villagers protesting against Nuclear power project)
(Solar panels and Wind Turbines in the picture)
Do you believe that the uranium conflict portrayed in the film Akhanda which was genuinely inspired by the real incidents happened in India ?
The answer is Yes.
If you haven't watched the film yet ?
Lets look into brief summary of the film.
The film revolves around a village situated near a uranium processing plant in a reserved forest. As a result of the plant's operations, the air, water, and land become heavily contaminated, leading to detrimental effects on the health of the villagers, particularly the children. They suffer from mysterious diseases that have no cure.
The characters in the story are fictional, while the conflict draws inspiration from real-life incidents.
Let's discuss why Central Government atomic agencies want to extract uranium reserves ?
What is Uranium ? what is the use of extraction of Uranium from the earth core ?
What are its environmental impacts ?
How are these places Jaduguda in Jharkhand and Thumallapalli in Andhrapradesh affected by Uranium mining ?
UNDERSTANDING OF URANIUM POTENTIAL
Before we start we will take a look at uranium and its potential benefits.
(uranium)
Uranium is one of the most special types of metal found only in the earth's core.
Uranium possesses an unparalleled energy-generating capacity that surpasses any other conventional fuel sources such as coal, gas, and petroleum, which rely on burning fossils for energy production.
To put it into perspective, while 1 kilogram of coal can produce a 8 kilowatt of energy, and 1 liter of petrol can generate 12 kilowatts, a single kilogram of uranium has the astonishing capability of generating a staggering 2,400,000,000 kilowatts of energy.
This incredible energy potential sets uranium apart as an unparalleled power source
In simple terms the energy produced with 1kg of Uranium can be supplied as electricity to almost 60000 Houses for 30 days consistently.
To simplify, the energy generated from just 1 kilogram of uranium can power approximately 60,000 houses consistently for an entire month. This demonstrates the remarkable efficiency and long-lasting energy potential of uranium as a fuel source.
Hope you understood the potential and efficiency of Uranium.
URANIUM
(Uranium atomic number weight details)
Uranium is a naturally occurring chemical element in the periodic table with the symbol U and atomic number 92.
• It is a dense, silvery-gray metal that is mildly radioactive. Uranium is widely known for its important role in nuclear power generation.
• It is used as fuel in nuclear reactors, where its atoms undergo a process called nuclear fission, releasing a significant amount of energy.
• This energy is harnessed to generate electricity. Uranium is found in various ores and minerals, and it is extracted through mining. It has both peaceful applications in providing clean energy and potential military uses in the production of nuclear weapons.
Due to its radioactivity, proper handling and safety precautions are essential in working with uranium
CENTRAL GOVERNMENT AND ATOMIC AGENCIES :
The Indian government has set an ambitious target to increase electricity production from 6,780 megawatts to 40,000 megawatts by the year 2030. To achieve this goal, the government has planned to extract uranium deposits within India and supply them to the existing 22 uranium processing plants.
Uranium is a versatile resource that can be used in various applications. It serves as fuel in nuclear reactors, powers space rockets, and even contributes to the production of nuclear weapons. The remarkable aspect is that all these uses can be accomplished without the need to burn fossil fuels, making uranium a cleaner and more sustainable energy source.
In support of India's nuclear power program, the Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMDER) was established in 1948. AMDER focuses on geological exploration and the discovery of mineral deposits.
The main aim of this organisation to serve for nuclear power program of India.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
Habitat Disruption:
•Clearing of land and vegetation for uranium mining operations
•Loss of biodiversity and disruption of ecosystems
Water Contamination:
•Release of contaminants into nearby water sources
•Heavy metals and radioactive materials polluting rivers, lakes, and groundwater
•Risks to aquatic life and potential impact on human health
Soil and Air Pollution:
•Release of radioactive dust and pollutants into the air
•Storage and disposal of radioactive waste contributing to soil contamination
•Long-term effects on soil and air quality
•Potential impact on plant growth and human health through inhalation or ingestion
Radioactive Waste:
•Production of radioactive waste from uranium mining and nuclear power generation
•Proper management and storage to prevent environmental contamination
•Potential harm to ecosystems and human populations from leaks or accidental releases
Greenhouse Gas Emissions:
•Lifecycle of nuclear energy contributes to carbon emissions
•Energy-intensive processes in mining, refining, and constructing/decommissioning nuclear power plants
•Uranium itself does not produce greenhouse gas emissions during power generation
Addressing Environmental Impacts:
•Strict regulations and responsible waste management
•Implementation of best practices in mining and nuclear energy production
•Ongoing research and development for improved efficiency and safety
•Minimizing the environmental footprint of uranium extraction and utilization
IN EFFICIENCY OF URANIUM
Uranium is a radioactive material that emits radiation when exposed to air. Therefore, it is important to keep it safely stored underground to prevent exposure.
Breathing air contaminated with uranium radiation can be harmful, particularly to the human lungs. It can damage human DNA, leading to various types of cancers such as blood cancer and lung cancer. Not only humans, but flora and fauna are also equally affected by uranium radiation.
The safe preservation of uranium waste is a complex process that poses significant challenges compared to the extraction of uranium deposits.
Did you know?
In the United States, more people have died during the process of extracting uranium than the number of casualties in the nuclear blasts in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Consider this:
Out of 1 ton of uranium, only 2.94 grams can be processed and utilized. The remaining waste is harmful to mankind due to its radioactive emissions.
Every day, when 10 tons of uranium are extracted, an equivalent of 1 crore terms of uranium waste is generated.
Since this waste is also radioactive, it is crucial to preserve it safely to prevent the potential consequences that could be faced by humanity.
URANIUM MINE IN JADUGUDA
The village of Jaduguda, located in the Jharkhand State of India, has experienced significant impacts from uranium mining, highlighting the dangers associated with this activity.
Jaduguda is known for having the highest uranium deposits in the region, and in 1951, the Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMDER) identified these reserves, leading to a proposal to the Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL) to commence uranium extraction.
In 1967, UCIL Uranium Corporation of India initiated mining operations and established a uranium processing plant. However, the subsequent events were far from favorable.
The processing of uranium resulted in the disposal of waste into a nearby lake, causing complete contamination of the water and surrounding land. As this waste contains radioactive materials, it emitted radiation, affecting the health of the villagers who relied on the resources from the area. Many individuals began falling sick, with a gradual increase in cases of cancer and infections.
The consequences of uranium mining in Jaduguda were also reflected in the long term. After 1990, women in the village started giving birth to unhealthy or disabled babies. Complications such as premature delivery, stillbirths, and abortions became common among them. Heart-wrenching stories emerged, such as Salma Suresh, who gave birth to five stillborn babies, and Puthhe, who experienced the trauma of six consecutive stillbirths. Shanti, another resident, faced pregnancy-related complications without any discernible cause.
Tragically, approximately 50,000 people in the region became victims of cancer, with some losing their lives to the disease. This highlights the severe danger that uranium waste poses to mankind.
Furthermore, the maintenance of nuclear plants is a complex task. The Chernobyl nuclear plant disaster in Russia serves as a stark reminder. As a result of the accident, around 900,000 people died from cancer, and 500,000 were forced to evacuate due to the radioactivity. Even after 35 years, the area remains highly radioactive, and strict safety measures must be followed by anyone entering the site.
These incidents underscore the critical need for comprehensive understanding and effective measures to mitigate the environmental and health risks associated with uranium mining
URANIUM MINE IN THUMALLAPALLE
The Tummalapalle Mine is a uranium mine in Tumalapalli village in Andhra Pradesh, India. Research in 2011 suggested that this mine could have one of the largest uranium reserves in the world.
In 2011, the Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy confirmed that the mine has reserves of 49,000 tonnes of uranium, and there could be even larger amounts. Later estimates in 2014 increased the reserves to 85,000 tonnes.
Previously, uranium reserves were found only up to 250 meters deep, but the latest findings indicate that the reserves extend to 1,000 meters.
This discovery significantly enhances India's ability to produce energy from nuclear plants. By increasing the use of nuclear energy, India can reduce emissions, pollution, and reliance on coal power. It is estimated that by 2050, more than 30% of India's energy can come from nuclear plants.
In 2007, the Government of India approved the establishment of a uranium mine and processing plant with an estimated cost of ₹11.06 billion. The Uranium Corporation of India acquired both government and private land for this project in 2012
Unfortunately, there have been negative consequences related to the plant. Effluents from the plant caused damage to crops and polluted the groundwater table during heavy rains in 2021.
The contamination from the uranium mine and processing plant has affected nearby villages, including KK Kotala. The pollution has led to soil and groundwater contamination, resulting in a decline in the population as people fear the outbreak of diseases cancers and infections etc.
Locals claim that the mine's tailing pond, where the waste products are stored, is not leak-proof. As a result, the slush enters their farms and water sources, impacting agriculture and livelihoods in the area.
The contamination has not only ruined agriculture but also led to the death of cattle due to water pollution. Locals report that cows, goats, and sheep have died after consuming water from ponds where chemicals from the UCIL pipelines leaked.
The situation has raised concerns among activists and locals. They are demanding that the UCIL take measures to address the pollution in accordance with the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.
The villagers are worried that they will be left with no choice but to accept whatever compensation the UCIL offers. However, they believe that this cannot be a permanent solution and that more attention should be given to understanding the level of radiation exposure people are facing.
There are reports that the UCIL may compensate farmers for damaged crops and offer jobs at its complex, but the villagers express skepticism about these measures.
At present, many countries have reduced their reliance on uranium for energy production from 10% to 3%. In the future, there is a growing trend towards environmentally friendly power generation methods such as solar and wind turbines.
Source: BBC News , Times of India , Economic Times
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