Smuggling Of Uranium
Source : Indian Express
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Why in News ?

Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested two persons with 7 kg natural uranium estimated to be worth around Rs 21 crore consider as Smuggling Of Uranium. 

Key Facts

• Arrest under the Atomic Energy Act of 1962 for possessing uranium without licence.
• Factories using uranium as a counterweight in their machines are mandated to contact the Atomic Energy agencies and return the uranium to them.
  • They, however, resort to shortcuts and sell the entire machines along with uranium in scrap.

Uranium and Its Market

• Uranium occurs naturally in low concentrations in soil, rock and water and is commercially extracted from uranium-bearing minerals.
• Though itself radioactive, uranium’s high density makes it effective in halting radiation.
• Its high density also makes it useful as counterweights in aircraft and industrial machinery.
• In India Uranium deposits occur in the Dharwar rocks.
• There are potential buyers in the grey market.

Atomic Energy Act of 1962

• This bill promoted research in atomic energy and extending state ownership over atomic minerals like uranium and thorium.
• Central Government is authorized to manage and control radioactive substances and subsequent plants generating radiation for preventing hazards, securing the safety of the public, ensuring the disposal of the radioactive wastes, and so on.
• Section 4 : Even a person who finds and believes that uranium and thorium could exist and occur in a place in India, he/she must inform the Central Government or the assigned authority about it as soon as possible.
• Section 5 : Empowers the Central Government to stop or provide license for the uranium related mining activity.
  • A term of imprisonment extending up to 1 year, or fine, or both.
• Section 6 : Minerals and materials that uranium constitutes in its natural form cannot be disposed of without the notification or permission of the Central Government.

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