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Dirty money, or filthy rich

Dirty money, or filthy rich
WA Today * Tim Clarke * November 18, 2008 *  Opponents to the immediate lifting of the ban on uranium mining in WA say the decision could leave the state with a deadly legacy……………………..

Making good on one of his key election promises, Premier Colin Barnett and his cabinet yesterday said any future mining leases granted in the state would not incorporate the clause excluding uranium, as they had done since 2002.
 
That opens the way for companies such as BHP Billiton to finally mine their vast deposits in WA, which one model estimates could generate up to $4 billion in export values.
 
But according to Greens MLC Giz Watson that will mean “unacceptable risks” for West Australians.

The Wilderness Society claims thousands of tonnes of radioactive tailings will end up buried somewhere in WA.
 
“Uranium is not just another mineral to be exploited for cash,” Ms Watson said. Radioactive waste is produced at every stage of its mining and processing. This will create a deadly legacy for all West Australians for tens of thousands of years,” she said.
 
“Which port does he (Barnett) intend the yellow cake to be shipped through – which community will become the new Esperance?”…………………..Peter Robertson of the Wilderness Council said bringing a “dirty and dangerous” industry into the state would create issues at every stage of production.
 
“Uranium mining uses millions of litres of water, produces masses of radioactive tailings and opens up the question of transporting the material,” he said. “Uranium brings with it a whole new set of regulatory risks.
 
“And it will also undoubtedly bring more pressure on Australia and WA in regards to accepting nuclear waste.”

Dirty money, or filthy rich

November 19, 2008 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | Uncategorized