'N-sector to play crucial role in meeting future needs'

With an aim to fuel the nation’s nuclear power needs Uranium Corporation of India limited (UCIl) was incorporated on October 4, 1967.

UCIl is a public sector enterprise under the Department of Atomic Energy. Fulfilling the requirement of Uranium, UCIl plays a very significant role in India’s nuclear power generation programme. UCIl is an ISO 9001, 14001 18001 company and has adopted the latest state-of-the-art technology for its mines and process plant. UCIl has positioned itself with a thrust to harness the unlimited potential of nuclear power.  UCIl’s chairman-cum-managing director Diwakar Acharya spoke at length on the current activities of the company and the future projects during an interview with The Pioneer. 

Currently the nuclear sector contributes only 3 per cent to our total power generation. What steps can be taken to boost the contributionIJ

India is fast advancing in the field of Nuclear Science and I am happy to say that India is a developed nation today in terms of the technology. At UCIl we have best scientists in the world along with the best safety regulations. Several questions have been thrown at us regarding the health hazards related to mines but after rounds of examination by independent medical teams they found our mines completely safe. Uranium is costly and as import ore comes with strings attached the quality of ore and size of deposits is low. Our future needs would be colossal and nuclear sector will play a significant role in catering to this. We must increase public confidence in nuclear power. The nuclear power, which initially seems costly due to the high establishment cost, turns quite cheaper as the time passes and it suits India. UCIl is meeting the entire uranium need for nuclear power plants in the country which will safeguard our needs.

What steps are taken to ensure that operations are safeIJ 

Operations undertaken by UCIl in the Jadugora environment have not resulted in any increase in the natural background radiation levels beyond levels prescribed by Atomic Energy Regulatory Board. There is no negative impact of mines on people around the area and village.  As far as effluents from UCIl operations are concerned, they are treated fully before they come in contact with the local aquatic stream. Thus it can be concluded that the mining and milling operations at Jadugora are conducted in a safe manner and adequate precautions are taken so that the stipulations laid down by authorities are strictly followed to maintain the radiation exposure levels to the workers as well as to the public well within the limits. UCIl was equipped with skilled manpower and techniques as it was engaged in the field of uranium exploration, mining and processing for over five decades in Singhbhum belt of Jharkhand.

UCIl is also going for mining operation in near areas to meet the requirement of uranium country’s nuclear power programmeIJ 

Several ambitious projects are coming up. Indigenous efforts and international cooperation with Africa, central Europe, Australia, and Canada are helping us to move ahead.  We are also ahead with projects at Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan . There is huge prospect of mining in these states and we can say that all the key provisions have been done and we are looking for the state government and the Central Government’s approval apart from this we are completing all the basic requirements. The UCIl has mining operations at Bagjata, Jaduguda, Bhatin, Narwapahar, Turamdih underground mines and Banduhurang opencast mines. It also runs two processing plants at Jadugora and Turamdih.

What are prospects of importing ores from Uzbekistan and also from overseas to meet the demand supply gapIJ

We are exploring the prospect of importing ore from Uzbekistan and elsewhere to meet the demand-supply gap.

What steps are being taken to expand capacity at Jadugora and Narwapahar minesIJ

We have been mining in Jadugora for 40 plus years. Our main objective is to extend the life of this mine and as we get ores from Bhatin mines,  Bhagjaunta mines, Narwapahar mines and two other places nearby. We will have to extend the life of this mines as most of the existing uranium mines in the state have a life span of five to 15 years.

What are the CSR activities being carried out by the CompanyIJ

UCIl has always remained committed towards its neighborhood development with adequate funds, manpower and infrastructure. Company has continued its efforts towards peripheral development of its surrounding villages. The vocational training programme to local unemployed youths in collaboration with Jan Sikhshan Sanstha (an organisation under the Ministry of Human Resource Development) is being conducted regularly. They were imparted training on different trades like mushroom cultivation, health care, training in cottage industries like making of candle, incense stick, greetings card, sericulture, chalk making and tailoring etc.  Company organises free medical camps periodically and distributes free medicines to the surrounding villagers. 

With a view to provide free medical services to the local population,  Company has set up a Rural Medical Centre at Narwapahar. The Talent Nurture Programme (TNP) of the company imparts free education to the children of the economically backward people of the surrounding villages. Under this programme, every year about 30 children are being selected from the tribal community of the surrounding villages for admission to Atomic Energy Central Schools run by the company. Besides above, company also organizes various sports activities for employees as well as local youths at regular intervals under the aegis of the Jaduguda Sports Council. Family welfare programme and blood donation camp are also organized from time to time.  Health camps are also being organized at regular basis for local villagers. UCIl follows approved Rehabilitation & Resettlement Policy in letter and spirit. More than one thousand land relocated persons in various projects have been provided employment. UCIl has also started Industrial Training Centre to equip local youths with skills required in industries.