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BHP in firing line of anti-uranium group

BHP in firing line of anti-uranium group Business News 4-June-09 by Edited announcement A new anti-uranium campaign is due to be launched tomorrow as the Conservation Council of WA today submitted its concerns over BHP Billiton’s proposed Yeelirrie uranium mine to the environmental watchdog.

The Anti-Nuclear Alliance of WA (ANAWA) will launch its BUMP (Ban Uranium Mining Permanently) campaign to coincide with World Environment Day.

The launch is supported by Greens member Giz Watson, the Conservation Council of WA (CCWA) and the Wilderness Society of WA.

Meantime, CCWA submitted its concerns relating to the Yeelirrie mine to BHP and the Environmental Protection Authority.

“BHP Billiton’s plan for an open cut uranium mine at Yeelirrie, around 9kms long, 5kms wide and 7metres deep, will directly impact on 10,000km of well vegetated area which is home to several threatened animal species, migratory birds and a number of rare and priority-listed plant species,” said Natalie Lowrey, uranium-free advocate for CCWA.

“There is also major concern with the management of dealing with the 110 million tonnes of waste that will be produced, waste that will remain radioactive for tens of thousands of years.”
This referral provides scant detail on the wider operation that is being proposed by BHP Billiton including the routing and impacts of the power and water supplies required for this massive mine.

“CCWA also has serious concerns about the failure to properly consider impacts and risks associated with the transport of uranium oxide concentrate through the state.”

“The Barnett government should be investing in clean energy solutions in WA instead of pushing a radioactive donkey cart that will bring huge risks to the environment, health of workers and a toxic legacy that will last for generations.”…………………..”The nuclear industry is being out competed by the renewable energy technology in every market in the world including China. Economically it makes no sense to take WA down this dangerous development path.”

BHP in firing line of anti-uranium group – WA Business News

June 5, 2009 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | Uncategorized