Australian uranium industry climate change vulnerability assessment

Abstract

Australia holds 31% of the global uranium resources and currently supplies 12% of the worldwide market. Based on the expected increase in global energy consumption, the demand for uranium is projected to increase, and Australia is well positioned to ensure it remains a significant supplier in the market. However, due to future climate change, the local uranium industry may be impacted as more intense and more frequent extreme weather events are expected, leading to potential disruption to operations and damage to mining infrastructure. Therefore, Australia’s reputation as a reliable industry supplier may be at risk in the future. This paper conducts a review of the vulnerability of the Australian uranium industry to climate related impacts, based on surveys conducted around currently operating uranium mines. Operational disruptions, loss of revenue and increased costs have all been reported as existing impacts by major climatic events. Survey respondents identified tailings/waste storage facilities, ore extraction, processing, transport within the mine site and maintenance activities as the most affected. Through this research, critical aspects to improve the adaptive capacity of the industry have been revealed.