We have successfully synthesised materials based on naturally occurring minerals and structurally related phases with the formula, Cu2(OH)3X where X is an anion. Phases with the compositions Cu2(OH)3NO3 and Cu2(OH)3(OCOCH3).H2O have then been investigated for their ion exchange capabilities with anions found in radioactive waste. Characterisation of these phases has been carried out using in-house powder XRD, IR, Raman and SEM. We wish to characterise the structures of the parent anion exchange materials and the products of the anion exchange with sodium halide salts. Structural studies of the copper hydroxy halide materials will investigate the link between stability and hydrogen bonding in this system. This information will prove invaluable in determining stability of the anion exchange products of these materials, which are potential candidates for encapsulation of radionuclides.