Nuclear transport security

SA’s nuclear debate: Analysing the risks of nuclear transport by sea, road and rail

WHEN it comes to nuclear waste disposal, a key consideration is how it can be safely transported by sea, road or rail.

According to the Nuclear Fuel Cycle Royal Commission report, uranium oxide concentrate (UOC) is routinely exported from Australia and any accidents have not adversely affected workers or the environment.

“UOC is transported and exported in powder form, which is also known as yellowcake,” it says.

“It has low radioactivity and remains chemically stable during transport, handling and storage.

“In South Australia, UOC is transported via rail and road from the mine site where it is produced to Port Adelaide, from where it is shipped overseas.”

The report says the International Atomic Energy Agency has developed international regulations for the safe transport of radioactive material.

“Under the regulatory requirements, different types of radioactive material are to be packaged and transported according to their radioactivity level, whereby greater shielding is incorporated to address higher radioactivity,” it says.