The Empire has access. It certainly doesn't follow that the Anacreons do as well - in fact, they're probably specifically prohibited from importing the raw ore without a license . . . which the Empire, being what it is, does not give out lightly let me tell you.

I've been thinking about this on and off for the last couple of years what with the hijinks the U.S./Israel is trying to pull with Iran (who are firmly within their legal rights to proceed as they are now doing). It's not just oil, but all sources of highly concentrated energy that play a part in the Great Game (meh) as it is played in the 21st century. I'm afraid that the original intent of the NPT has been largely subverted and that it will increasingly be used as a club against nations who want to develop nuclear power independently. In the end, whoever controls the pitchblende and carnotite deposits will be the ones who control the world's energy supply.

Sorta like the roll oil, coal, and natural gas play now ;-)