Bessines: an exemplary rehabilitation

The Bessines site, devoted to uranium extraction, operated from 1948 to 1995. It has not only been rehabilitated in accordance with the most stringent environmental standards; it is also subjected to permanent radiological monitoring.

Post-mining activities

The Bessines establishment is organized into 3 entities:

• The CESAAM (Centre d'Etudes et de Suivi des Anciennes Activités Minières France et Etranger), which provides environmental monitoring of reclaimed sites and those undergoing rehabilitation (Jouac, Le Bourneix, etc.)
• The SEPA (Service d'Etudes de Procédés et Analyses), which ranks among the group's main centers for Research and Development on mining operations
• An infrastructure devoted to the storage of impoverished uranium oxide

The only facilities that still host industrial-type activities are the water treatment plants.

The site also hosts the radiation protection department (ALGADE) for the Carso group, a private laboratory.

Environmental management and monitoring

The Bessines site heads up a quality initiative aimed at rendering its operations compliant with the most stringent environmental standards. The site thus obtained ISO 14001 certification:

• in May 2001 for its impoverished uranium oxide storage operations;
• in August 2002 for its monitoring of reclaimed sites.

These certifications have since been confirmed.

Relations with local actors and transparency

• In 2004, the Bessines site was one of the pilot sites chosen by AREVA for the introduction of a structured initiative to "map external parties involved with sites." A true advisory initiative, it involved around 40 actors.

• Moreover, "The Bessines Establishment Letter" sets out the various results of environmental monitoring around AREVA's sites in Bessines. This brochure is available from the establishment upon request.

• Finally, visits can be arranged by appointment. These consist of a general presentation of the establishment, followed by tours of reclaimed legacy mining sites. Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours. Free for individuals, school groups and associations. Identity card required. Transport costs paid by visitors.

Contact

AREVA – Bessines Establishment
RN 201 avenue du Brugeaud
87250 Bessines-sur-Gartempe, France
Tel.: +33 (0)5 55 60 50 70
Fax: +33 (0)5 55 60 50 86

Bessines Tourism Office
6 avenue du 11 Novembre 1918
87250 Bessines-sur-Gartempe, France
Tel: +33 (0)5 55 76 09 28

Limoges Tourism Office
12 boulevard de Fleurus
87000 Limoges, France
Tel: +33 (0)5 55 34 46 87