Proposal for global nuclear fuel insurance fund The World Economic Forum (WEF) has published the Global Risks Report 2008, which highlights the need for new thinking and concerted action on a number of global issues, including energy supply. An international "nuclear fuel insurance fund" is one suggestion.		Uranium output rises in Kazakhstan and Australia during 2007 Kazakhstan and Australia both reported double-digit increases in uranium production during 2007. Kazakh output increased over 25%, despite a shortage of sulfuric acid, whilst Australian output grew 13%.
African countries enjoying boost from uranium Niger and Malawi are both set to benefit from separate uranium mining developments with Areva and Paladin, while Namibia's newest uranium mine has achieved an operating milestone.		Companies take action to secure sulfuric acid supplies Companies are taking action to overcome a shortage in Kazakhstan of sulfuric acid, used as the main chemical reagent in in-situ leaching (ISL) uranium production, following a fire at a production plant and the delayed start-up of some new facilities.
KazAtomProm to make nuclear fuel 'components' for Kansai Kazakh companies will tool up to provide components of nuclear fuel destined for 11 nuclear power reactors in Japan under a new agreement. The items would be made at the Ulba plant, which is undergoing expansion for international trade.		Randfontein uranium resurrection? Another long dormant South African uranium venture could be enjoying a new lease of life following the proposed sale of uranium and gold assets at Randfontein.
Russia delivers nuclear fuel to Iranian reactor On 16 December, Russia delivered the first shipment of fuel for the Bushehr nuclear power plant, which it is helping to construct in Iran. US President Bush said the Iranians no longer have a need to enrich uranium themselves.		Rez research reactor fuel returned to Russia Used fuel from the research reactor at Rez, Czech Republic, has been transferred by rail to Russia for reprocessing. The project was carried out under the 2004 Russian-US government agreement on cooperation in removing Russian-made nuclear fuel from research reactors to Russia.