GammaTec had the distinct privilege of hosting representatives from ANEA, Mozambique’s National Atomic Energy Agency, at our facilities in Vereeniging. As the regulatory body responsible for overseeing the safe, secure, and peaceful use of nuclear and radiation technology in Mozambique, ANEA plays a critical role in issuing operator licenses and conducting facility inspections.
To help share their valuable insights with our community, GammaTec sat down with Adelaide Francisco and Orlando Soto from ANEA to discuss their facility visit, regulatory alignments, and the future of industrial radiography in the region.
Contents
- First Impressions: Quality, Safety, and Professionalism
- Meeting Mozambique’s Equipment Demands
- Aligning Regulatory Standards Across Borders
- The Challenge of Cultivating a Safety Culture
- Looking Ahead: Rapid Growth in the Energy Sector
- How Suppliers Can Support Regulatory Goals
- Conclusion
First Impressions: Quality, Safety, and Professionalism
During their walkthrough of the GammaTec facilities, the ANEA representatives noted that their initial impressions were overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing that they could “see your service is of high quality” and that we “use modern technologies in responsible ways.” The team was particularly impressed by the professionalism of our staff and the transparency of our daily operations. They described our team as “very good people, always eager to explain and always eager to share their knowledge,” noting that our workflow made it “very easy for us to get acquainted and to understand what you do.” Seeing firsthand that GammaTec is committed to observing the highest of standards provides ANEA with the confidence that the equipment local operators receive will perform reliably and safely in the field.
Meeting Mozambique’s Equipment Demands
This dedication to quality aligns perfectly with the current demands in Mozambique. From a regulatory perspective, ANEA shared that they find GammaTec’s supply and manufacturing capabilities to be very satisfactory, confirming that they “have not had complaints from the operators regarding quality issues or reliability.” When ANEA visits operators in the field, they find that any security or safety issues usually stem from internal operating practices rather than the manufacturing standards of the equipment itself. They confirmed that our equipment meets the strict standards required for their rapidly expanding market, stating that if GammaTec continues on this path, we “will just be the reference in Mozambique in terms of security.”
Aligning Regulatory Standards Across Borders
When discussing the alignment between South African standards and ANEA’s local requirements, the representatives pointed out that the foundational rules are very similar, as both countries abide by international standards set by organizations like the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). ANEA noted that “in terms of scope of regulations, we are aligned” with “a lot of similarities.” They explained that their main challenges, as a younger regulatory body, do not stem from the rules themselves. Instead, the hurdles lie in the practical, country-wide implementation of these standards, which can sometimes be slowed down by broader economic or financial constraints.
The Challenge of Cultivating a Safety Culture
One of the most challenging aspects of monitoring radiation safety protocols on the ground is the human element and instilling a lasting, company-wide awareness. ANEA admitted that “it is a big challenge to have a safety culture in place.” Operators frequently hire individuals from local communities and quickly train them to use the equipment. However, cultivating an internal awareness that comes directly from inside the operators’ companies remains a significant hurdle for the regulator. As ANEA pointed out, “It takes time for [new operators] to understand the importance of this. We need that awareness in terms of safety culture.”
Looking Ahead: Rapid Growth in the Energy Sector
Looking ahead at the next five years, ANEA foresees massive growth for energy and non-destructive testing (NDT) applications in Mozambique. They noted that “there are more discoveries of gas, there is more demand, and oil and gas companies are coming in,” meaning regulators and suppliers alike “will have to run faster.” To keep pace with this upcoming boom, ANEA recognizes the immediate need to ensure safety standards are successfully implemented across these rapidly expanding sectors.
How Suppliers Can Support Regulatory Goals
To reach these long-term safety goals, ANEA emphasized the need for close collaboration with reliable partners, noting that “the flow of communication is very important.” More importantly, they stressed that suppliers can make a massive difference by actively educating their buyers. Instead of simply making a sale, suppliers should help bridge the gap in legal and safety comprehension among operators during the procurement process. ANEA urged that “the best way [suppliers] can help us is to sell their equipment and try to get your customers in alignment with the regulations.” By reminding clients that they “must implement your safety standards,” suppliers become an invaluable asset to the regulator.
Conclusion
We believe that keeping an open line of communication with regulatory bodies like ANEA is vital. Initiatives like this interview are part of our ongoing effort to educate the industry, promote the safe use of NDT technology, and ensure that local operators are using the right methods. We thank ANEA for their time and look forward to a continued partnership in promoting safety and quality.
Written & Interviewed By: Jonathan Welch
ANEA Official Website: https://anea.gov.mz/
Interview Details & Disclaimer: This interview was conducted at the GammaTec facilities by Jonathan, Marketing Officer at GammaTec. The interviewees featured are Adelaide Francisco and Orlando Soto, representing ANEA (National Atomic Energy Agency, Mozambique). This article is a condensed summary of the recorded interview, edited for clarity and readability. The views, opinions, and regulatory insights shared by the representatives reflect their professional perspectives and the current goals of ANEA.
