Maharashtra | Two people were arrested in connection with illegal possession of Natural Uranium in the Nagpada area of Mumbai, yesterday. Police seized about 7 kg 100 grams of Natural Uranium worth Rs 21.30 crores. The case has been registered under Atomic Energy Act, 1962.
Uranium is a silvery-grey metallic weakly radioactive chemical element. It has the chemical symbol U and atomic number 92. The most common isotopes in natural uranium are 238U (99.27%) and 235U (0.72%).
Natural uranium refers to uranium with the same isotopic ratio as found in nature. It contains 0.711% uranium-235, 99.284% uranium-238, and a trace of uranium-234 by weight. Approximately 2.2% of its radioactivity comes from uranium-235, 48.6% from uranium-238, and 49.2% from uranium-234.
Under the Atomic Energy Act 1962, Unless and until a license is granted by the Central Government, it can make necessary rules and prohibit certain activities. They are enlisted in Section 14 of the Act, which are –
The working of any mine of such substances
The acquisition, possession, production, use, disposal, export or import of such substances, their plants and the equipment used therein.
The authority to grant, cancel and revoke any such license as seems fit.
To deem any such information as restricted information possessed by a person having a license.
To deem any such area under the control of a licensee as a prohibited area.
Regarding the conditions and criteria for the location, installation and operation of any plant.
The details relating to the extent of the liability of the license if any harm has been caused to any person or property.
Insurance related provisions relating the g to the settlement of claims and the setting up of sufficient funds for the same.
Miscellaneous – necessary qualifications, hours of employment, security clearances, medical examinations for the employed personnel, inspection, sealing of premises, retaining or disposing of articles indicating contravention of the rules, fees for such licensing etc.
