How thousands of tons of uranium were exported from the Congo unnoticed

Tens of thousands of tons of uranium have been exported from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) unnoticed over the past two decades, according to research conducted by U.S. scientists. The study reveals that during the global cobalt boom, substantial quantities of uranium left the country alongside cobalt and copper exports, primarily destined for China. This discovery raises serious concerns about the oversight of nuclear materials and the potential risks associated with unaccounted uranium. The findings come from an investigation led by researchers Ryan Mazuk of Princeton University and Sébastien Philippe of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Their analysis, published in Nature Communications, highlights how uranium has been transported out of the DR Congo under the radar. The study suggests that between 2000 and 2024, up to 5,000 tons of natural uranium were exported in the form of ore, primarily linked to the production of cobalt hydroxide. According to the researchers, this uranium traveled as an unintended passenger within shipments meant for other purposes. The Tenke-Fungurume mine in southern DR Congo, one of the world's largest copper and cobalt mines owned by the Chinese firm CMOC, is central to this issue. While the mine officially focuses on extracting cobalt and copper, the geological composition of the region means that uranium often occurs alongside these metals. This overlap allows uranium to be included in shipments without being declared separately. Historically, the DR Congo played a crucial role in supplying uranium for the Manhattan Project during World War II. The Shinkolobwe mine, located in the southeast of the country, was known for its exceptionally high uranium content, up to 65 percent, which made it one of the richest deposits in the world at the time. That uranium contributed to the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. Today, the DR Congo is once again drawing attention for its uranium resources, though indirectly. As demand for cobalt rises due to the global shift toward electric vehicles, mining operations in the country’s copper belt have intensified. This area is rich in both cobalt and uranium, and the extraction processes used to refine cobalt often involve handling uranium-bearing ores. Despite this, the DR Congo has not reported significant uranium production since the early 20th century. According to the researchers, less than 10 percent of the estimated uranium exports were declared to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This lack of transparency creates a major gap in the international monitoring of nuclear materials. The IAEA oversees the enrichment and regulation of uranium, which is critical for both nuclear power plants and weapons. Natural uranium, while not immediately dangerous, can become a concern if it is enriched to higher concentrations. The study underscores the complexity of tracking uranium in regions where multiple minerals are extracted simultaneously. In the case of the DR Congo, the presence of uranium in cobalt and copper ores complicates efforts to monitor its movement. Researchers emphasize that the uranium found in these ores is naturally occurring and does not require enrichment to be hazardous. However, the absence of proper documentation and reporting mechanisms leaves room for uncertainty regarding its final destination and potential misuse. The researchers collaborated with investigative journalists from Lighthouse Reports and the Financial Times to gather data and verify their findings. They examined shipping records, mineral compositions, and historical mining practices to piece together the extent of uranium exports. Their work highlights the need for greater transparency and stricter regulations in countries where uranium coexists with more commonly traded minerals. The DR Congo government has not yet responded publicly to the study. Meanwhile, the IAEA has acknowledged the importance of ensuring all uranium movements are properly documented. The agency continues to monitor nuclear material flows globally, but the case of the DR Congo illustrates the challenges faced in maintaining comprehensive oversight in complex mining environments. As the global demand for cobalt and other rare earth elements grows, the issue of unaccounted uranium becomes increasingly relevant. Scientists and policymakers must address the gaps in current reporting systems to prevent potential risks associated with unmonitored nuclear materials. The situation in the DR Congo serves as a reminder of the intricate relationship between resource extraction and nuclear safety.