License for Uranium Ore Processing Extended for Eastern Mining and Enrichment Plant

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The State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine extended the license for uranium ore processing of the Eastern Mining and Enrichment Plant for three years.

“Taking into account the strategic importance of the Eastern Mining and Enrichment Plant for the state as the only enterprise in Ukraine that provides mining and industrial processing of uranium ores, on 22 June 2020, the SNRIU extended the license for uranium ore processing considering temporary safety measures implemented by the Eastern Mining and Enrichment Plant”, was reported in the SNRIU message. 

On 12 June, the SNRIU did not extend the license for the Eastern Mining and Enrichment Plant, since the head of the enterprise did not have the permit for special activities of the first category.

On 16 June, the Ministry of Energy and Environmental Protection of Ukraine appointed Chief Engineer Viktor Pukhalskyi having the relevant permit as Acting Director of the Eastern Mining and Enrichment Plant.

In addition, the ministry developed the following documents at the SNRIU request:

  • “List of positions of employees, which require permit for special activities” to submit to the Security Service of Ukraine for a special inspection (document is agreed with the SNRIU);
  • number of mandatory licensing documents related to the harmonization of the system of physical protection, radiation control and monitoring (including occupational exposure and radiation protection of the public and the environment), as well as other documents on safety case and safety review (provided by the SNRIU) with the requirements of legislation.

The State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine outlined that the licensed activities of the enterprise are under special control due to inclusion of additional licensing conditions in the license and control of their meeting to prevent possible sabotage at the Eastern Mining and Enrichment Plant related to incompliance with safety and physical protection requirements during mining and processing of uranium ores.

If they are not met within the prescribed period, the license of the Eastern Mining and Enrichment Plant will be cancelled according to the procedure established by legislation.

According to SNRIU, Ministry of Energy and Environmental Protection of Ukraine, Eastern Mining and Enrichment Plant.