The idea of sustainable development is spreading worldwide, pushing major companies to think about their role in protecting the environment and addressing social issues where they operate. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is becoming more important, with businesses voluntarily supporting health, education, environmental conservation, culture, and sports to improve people’s lives.

Companies in the nuclear sector pay special attention to CSR.

Thanks to modern technology, nuclear energy has become safer for the environment, ensuring safety from uranium mining to waste disposal. However, beyond providing energy, these companies also focus on benefiting local communities.

A 2019 study by nuclear technology expert Milan Simonovic, published in the Universal Excellence journal, explored why nuclear companies implement CSR policies. Supported by the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO), the study surveyed top executives and company owners.

The findings revealed that their main motivation was not financial gain but ethical and moral values. Nuclear power plant (NPP) operators showed a strong commitment to meeting public expectations.

This CSR commitment is evident in Africa, where uranium mining takes place in several countries. Many companies invest in healthcare, education, infrastructure, and clean water access. By promoting eco-friendly technologies, they also help reduce carbon emissions and protect the environment.

One example of successful CSR is Mantra Tanzania Limited, a uranium mining company. Mantra actively supports local infrastructure, education, and healthcare. Recently, the company allocated more than 580 million Tanzanian shillings ($231,000) for CSR projects.

In 2023, it introduced a five-year plan to expand its community initiatives and increased its local community team. Despite not yet starting production, the company spends around 251 million Tanzanian shillings ($100,000) annually on CSR efforts.

One of Mantra’s key projects is its long-term support for Namtumbo District Hospital. Construction began in 2014, and the hospital started admitting patients in 2018. The Namtumbo Selous Charity Marathon, held in 2017 with Mantra’s support, helped speed up construction. The hospital addressed the issue of limited healthcare access, as the nearest facility was 64 km away.

Today, it has 21 beds, serves about 60 outpatients daily, and offers various medical services. Recently, the company donated a chemical analyzer machine worth 30 million Tanzanian shillings ($11,800) to enhance lab diagnostics. In 2023, Mantra also provided 36 million Tanzanian shillings ($14,300) to build a mother and child unit in Likuyu ward.

According to Benjamin Mchwampaka, CEO of the Tanzania Chamber of Mines, successful uranium mining projects in Africa require both environmental protection and CSR initiatives. Investing in social infrastructure alongside economic benefits greatly improves local communities' lives and supports Africa’s sustainable development goals.

Nuclear companies operating in Africa prioritize both safety and social well-being. Through CSR programs focused on health, education, environmental conservation, culture, and sports, they significantly contribute to the development of the countries where they work.