International Cooperation in Nuclear Security

A recent nuclear security summit in Seoul focused on the need for countries to work together to strengthen nuclear security, reduce the threat of nuclear terrorism, and prevent the acquisition of nuclear materials by “terrorists, criminals, or other unauthorized actors.”

The summit’s objective reaffirms the responsibility of individual states to maintain effective nuclear security, as well as the need for international cooperation, voluntary efforts at the state level to minimize nuclear material, the central role of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and the right to peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

Highlighting nuclear power

Addressing an audience at Hankuk University, US President Barack Obama commented positively on civil nuclear power, stating, “let’s never forget the astonishing benefits that nuclear technology has brought to our lives.” Explaining that improvements in nuclear security will enhance the practical utility of nuclear energy, he said, “in the United States, we’ve restarted our nuclear industry as part of a comprehensive strategy to develop every energy source. We supported the first new nuclear power plant in three decades. We’re investing in innovative technologies so we can build the next generation of safe, clean nuclear power plants. And we’re training the next generation of scientists and engineers who are going to unlock new technologies to carry us forward.”

Summit spotlight

Paul Ingram, Executive Director of the British American Security Information Council, told Uranium Investing News that advancements were made at the conference, commenting, “real progress was made in Seoul in the specific announcements around locking down materials and activities that present security vulnerabilities, with a particular focus on highly-enriched uranium, but more importantly in giving political priority to a cooperative global approach to the problem.”

Remaining challenges

Noting that a considerable number of issues must be addressed, Ingram conceded that “Obama’s creation of an approach that pulls states into common objectives on this agenda is no small feat given the weeks of diplomatic wrangling and finger pointing that characterizes the diplomacy around the more established nuclear non-proliferation treaty process. However, such progress was incremental, and fell way short of what would be needed to meaningfully tackle threats to nuclear security.”

Civil nuclear power implications

Ingram recommended caution regarding some public confidence issues that have resulted from unsolved challenges in the safety, security, and proliferation areas. “The cooperative approach characterized at the Nuclear Security Summit offers a way forward to tackling these problems and is an undoubted improvement, but it also highlights the limitations. The Fukushima accident hinted at the dangers that could arise from malicious sabotage or theft. It is probably the case that the world faces a choice between respecting sovereign freedoms of government and the voluntary nature of commitments made at these summits, and genuine nuclear security,” he said.

Potential impact for uranium producers and junior exploration companies

International trade agreements may follow these strengthened relationships as an outcome of the security-focused initiatives. Private meetings between the leaders of Canada, India, New Zealand, Spain, Italy, and the European Union featured discussions on economic issues such as increasing trade. Favorable political ties often lead to increased commercial activity, which could have a broad impact on uranium producers.

As the value of underlying uranium deposits is gradually being recognized by improved market valuations, junior mining exploration companies will also benefit considerably. Major exploration budgets will increase, with interest and capital investment likely reflecting higher valuations for junior companies, and the potential for mergers or industry consolidation will develop.

Securities Disclosure: I, Dave Brown, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.