Uranium deposits are reportedly set to be declared protected mineral resources by the South African minerals and energy department. The move is designed to secure supplies for the indigenous nuclear industry given strong growth in uranium prices. Most South African uranium is recovered as a by-product of gold mining.
Minerals and energy minister Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka has been quoted as saying: "We will announce a special dispensation for licensing uranium exploration, prospecting and mining."
