Tuareg against uranium mining

Oases contaminated by radiation — nomads fight back

For decades, uranium has been mined in the Aïr Mountains of the Sahara. It is later processed for fuel rods used in nuclear power plants. The workers and the population of the surrounding oases have been exposed to radiation for decades because environmental regulations and safety measures are not enforced.

For decades, many people living near the pits have been suffering from impairments to their health and from long-term damage. A lack of information about the dangers has contributed to this situation. The safety standards regulating mining and transportation of uranium ore in the Sahara are inadequate. Many uranium mine workers are recruited from the surrounding oases or are Tuareg nomads. They are still largely ignorant about the dangers posed by radioactive contamination during mining operations and by inhaling dust when uranium ore is processed and transported.

The Africa working group supported a local non-governmental organization which staged informational meetings in Arlit and neighboring oases.
(Aghirin′man: aghirin_man@yahoo.fr).

The campaigns brought about a clear improvement in compliance with safety standards in Arlit. During exploration for additional mining opportunities in nearby oases, the population no longer tolerated operations indifferently, but through local government and local organizations demanded information about the plans and the potential dangers to humans as well as to the animals on which the nomads′ livelihoods depend, and whose grazing grounds are in the affected areas.

People affected by uranium mining in other areas, especially in Southern Africa, also became aware of the work of the NGO Aghirin′man. The Africa working group supported a conference in Namibia for exchanging information and networking organizations that promote worker safety in uranium mining operations and provide information about the long-term effects of radiation damage.