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Malaysia’s weaker environmental laws led Australian company to set up rare earths plant there

ANAWA and EDO strongly believed that Lynas had chosen to move its operations to Malaysia because of the heavy metals and radioactive waste involved in the processing. “We believe Lynas picked Malaysia to save money and enable it to operate under less stringent laws,” 
“The biggest concerns about the processing are the storage and waste management issues which are made more difficult in Gebeng which we understand to be wetlands.”

“There is no way it could operate the way it is in Malaysia over here,” he said. “Australia’s laws are much more stringent.”

Aussie NGO: Gebeng not part of Lynas’ blueprint, Free Malaysia Today News, Stephanie Sta Maria | March 6, 2012  Anti Nuclear Alliance of Western Australia (ANAWA) claims that Lynas’ massive changes to its plan has resulted in its plant being built in Gebeng where laws are looser and labour is cheaper.  PETALING JAYA: The Anti-Nuclear Alliance of Western Australia (ANAWA) has revealed that Lynas Corporation Ltd was supposed to build its plant in Western Australia and not Malaysia. Continue reading →

March 7, 2012 Posted by | AUSTRALIA, Malaysia, secrets,lies and civil liberties | Leave a comment

Confusion about Australian company Lynas rare earths and radioactive waste in Malaysia

No decision yet on sending Lynas waste to Western Australia  The Star, Malaysia, KUALA LUMPUR, 7 March 12, : The Cabinet has not decided on a proposal asking Lynas Corp rare earth waste material to be sent back to Western Australia, said Green Technology, Energy and Water Minister Datuk Seri Peter Chin.

He said Western Australian Minister for Mines and Petroleum Norman Moore was entitled to his view that Australia would not accept responsibility for any waste produced by Lynas Malaysia Sdn Bhd. “Our Cabinet has not made a decision on the matter. Wait for it to be announced,” he said after the launch of the National Energy Security Conference 2012 yesterday.

Moore told the Australian parliament that the Western Australian government does not support the import and storage of other countries’ radioactive waste.

PKR MP Fuziah Salleh had proposed that the rare earth waste material for Lynas be returned to Australia. ….http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/2/29/nation/10825847&sec=nation

  Lynas to send residue abroad if no suitable disposal site found in Malaysia The Star, Malaysia, By ONG HAN SEAN KUANTAN,  March 6, 2012:Lynas Corp has already submitted a letter of undertaking to send its rare earth processing residue abroad if it cannot find a suitable waste disposal site in Malaysia. International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said the move was taken as an assurance to the people’s psychological and emotional safety.

“Even though the Government is satisfied there will be no radioactive residue produced during the plant’s operation, we have ordered Lynas to guarantee and plan the provision of a permanent waste disposal facility far from human population as recommended by the International Atomic Energy Agency.

“Failing which, Lynas has already expressed willingness to take the residue out of Malaysia,” said Mustapa in a joint statement with Pahang Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob here Tuesday.

He said the Government had also announced the setting up of an independent monitoring panel to audit the plant’s construction as an additional measure. On the residue’s radiation monitoring, Mustapa said the plant had yet to start operation and the Government had not appoint independent experts to analyse the radiation level of the residues produced by the
plant…..  http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/3/6/nation/20120306154934&sec=nation

 Shut down or there’ll be another anti-Lynas rally, Govt told http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/2/28/nation/10818800&sec=nation The Star, Malaysia, 6 March 12, KUANTAN: Another anti-Lynas rally will be held if the Government does not shut down the rare earth refinery project in Gebeng, said the Himpunan Hijau committee which organised the first protest on Sunday.

Its chairman Wong Tack said he was disappointed with Prime Minis­ter Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s statement that the Go­­vernment had to look for a solution that would be acceptable to the people without affecting investments. “We cannot accept his statement. Therefore, the Him­punan Hijau 3.0 rally is on – unless the project is cancelled,” Wong said at a press conference yesterday. The organisers had called on the Government to respond within 24 hours after the Himpunan Hijau 2.0 rally ended two days ago. Najib had said Lynas was looking for an uninhabited location to store the waste material from the plant, although it was scientifically safe. Wong said the committee would discuss with Bersih chairman Da­­­tuk Ambiga Sreenevasan on the possibility of holding a joint rally soon.

March 7, 2012 Posted by | Malaysia, Uranium, wastes | Leave a comment

USA’s Nuclear Regulatory Commission dragging on safety improvements

Nuclear Chief: Safety Moves Behind Schedule, WSJ,  By RYAN TRACY March 6, 2012,  WASHINGTON—Nuclear Regulatory Commission Chairman Gregory Jaczko said
Tuesday the agency wasn’t on pace to meet its own timeline for improving safety at U.S. nuclear plants in response to the meltdown at Japan’s Fukushima Daiichi plant a year ago. Continue reading →

March 7, 2012 Posted by | safety, USA | Leave a comment

25 renewable energy projects getting underway in New Zealand

Several New Zealand Renewable Power Projects Scheduled to Begin Construction in 2012-13, an Industrial Info News Alert Market Watch, PERTH, AUSTRALIA, Mar 06, 2012  — Researched by Industrial Info Resources Australia  — Industrial Info is currently tracking 25 New Zealand renewable energy projects in the planning and engineering phase that are scheduled to begin construction from 2012 onward. The projects total more than US$4.87 billion in investment value and indicate that New Zealand is predominately investing in wind, geothermal and hydro generation projects…..http://www.marketwatch.com/story/several-new-zealand-renewable-power-projects-scheduled-to-begin-construction-in-2012-13-an-industrial-info-news-alert-2012-03-06?reflink=MW_news_stmp

March 7, 2012 Posted by | New Zealand, renewable | Leave a comment

Australian government remains firmly opposed to nuclear power

Despite pro nuclear Bob Carr joining the  Ministry, the Australian Government opposes nuclear power plants. The Prime Minister was quoted in an article in 9 News,  Mar 6 2012 By Julian Drape   “…….The prime minister was also quizzed on Tuesday about incoming foreign minister Bob Carr’s stated support for nuclear power.

In response she said Labor’s policy was to oppose nuclear power plants in Australia “and it won’t be changing”.

“Our future as a country … is in making the best of our natural assets as well as continuing to use traditional sources of energy.
“We are a country with abundant sunshine. We are a country with a very, very, very long coastline which gives you access to tidal power.” Ms Gillard added that hot rocks energy could also be brought on stream.

March 7, 2012 Posted by | AUSTRALIA, politics | Leave a comment

Plan for Mid American to finance its nuclear plans and must then construct them

Lawmaker says deal struck on nuclear power bill CBS News, 6 Mar 12,   DES MOINES, Iowa — A legislator said Tuesday that he had struck a deal on a plan that would give MidAmerican Energy new incentives to build a nuclear power plant in Iowa.

Sen. Matt McCoy, chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, said his panel will approve the compromise Thursday. The compromise would require that MidAmerican, Iowa’s largest utility, have financing in place before beginning construction of a nuclear power plant. Once
state regulators approve a new plant, the utility would have to carry out construction.

Some legislators had worried earlier versions of the measure would allow the utility to raise rates to pay for the plant, without being committed to actually building the facility. They said consumers could end up with higher rates, and no new power plant to show for it.

Lawmakers reached the agreement even as opponents held a Statehouse news conference, where they argued that nuclear plants are inherently dangerous….. Francis Thicke, a farmer and environmental activist from Fairfield, said the compromise backed by McCoy only dealt with the potential financial risks of the proposed nuclear plant. “My concern is the whole environmental issue and they are not addressing the environment,” Thicke said. ….
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505245_162-57391792/lawmaker-says-deal-struck-on-nuclear-power-bill/

March 7, 2012 Posted by | business and costs, USA | Leave a comment

Call for Mexico to scrap nuclear power plans

Greenpeace Calls on Mexico to Scrap Nuke Plans March 06, 2012 Mexico City –  The government should keep in mind the accident at Japan’s Fukushima nuclear power plant and scrap its plans to build new reactors in Mexico, Greenpeace said.

“Today we remember the tragedy in Fukushima and urge you to abandon the nuclear plans for our country,” the environmental group said in a letter to Energy Secretary Jordy Herrera.

The letter, which was given to the secretary on Monday, noted that the Energy Secretariat recently announced plans to build two new nuclear reactors in Mexico, which currently operates the Laguna Verde facility in Veracruz state.

The government’s 2012-2026 National Energy Strategy includes the possible construction of two nuclear power plants. Nuclear power is “a costly and highly dangerous option for generating electricity, and its contribution to reducing global warming is minimal,” Greenpeace said.

Abandoning nuclear energy is the “most desirable (option) from the standpoint of safety and protection of the environment and health,” the environmental group said.

Greenpeace launched a campaign in 19 countries to inform the public of the dangers that the world’s approximately 400 active nuclear reactors pose to tens of millions of people and to mark the first anniversary of the accident in Japan.  http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/news/2012/03/06/greenpeace-calls-on-mexico-to-scrap-nuke-plans/#ixzz1oTbYRceu

March 7, 2012 Posted by | general | Leave a comment

Nuclear news to March 6th

Christina Macpherson's websites & blogs

Iran.  Israel steps up move to attack Ira, while Obama points out the disadvantages. Ultimately, Obama’s agreeing that military action is one option.

Fukushima.  As the anniversary of the nuclear accident approaches, many revelations about both the initial story, and the present state, of the Fukushima disaster.  A pretty damning report on the Japanese government’s hadndling of the accident, and on the secrecy and cover-ups.    The present uncertain state of the reactors, and the perils for the low-paid workforce still grappling to contain the plant and its radiation . Equally uncertain, the masses of radioactive material to be cleared,but where to? TEPCO shareholders take legal action against TEPCO executives.  Japan tightens radiation limits for foods.

UK closes its oldest reactor – huge indeterminate costs to bury it.  Dilemmas over cost and politics of new reactors. Protestors campaign at Hinkley nuclear site.

Indian government getting lots of flack for its attack on non government organisations that oppose nuclear power, and anti nuclear Koodankulam protests continue, with several religions joining the protest.

International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN)  “outs” the global financial firms that fund the nuclear weapons industry.

Pakistan test fires a nuclear capable missile.

March 6, 2012 Posted by | Christina's notes | Leave a comment

$100 dollars a day: workers face radiation risks at Fukushima nuclear plant

it’s really important to reduce the amount of radiation that each individual gets and to do that, we need to bring in more people.” Bringing in more workers is going to be hard. Already, 167 workers have exceeded their lifetime radiation exposure limit of 100 milliseverts. 

Safety fears at Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant 03/05/2012 By majiroxnews TOKYO  — Low pay and overwork could trigger a shortage of workers at Japan’s Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. The Tokyo Occupational Safety and Health Center warned this week of thesedangers – with workers at the crippled site earning as little as 100 dollars a day.

After the March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami crippled Japan’s Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, conditions of the workers seem to be plummeting. Continue reading →

March 6, 2012 Posted by | health, Japan | Leave a comment

‘Outing’ the financial firms that fund nuclear weapons

The institutions most heavily involved in financing nuclear arms makers include Bank of America, BlackRock and JP Morgan Chase in the US, BNP Paribas in France, Allianz and Deutsche Bank in Germany, Mistubishi UFJ Financial in Japan, Credit Suisse and UBS in Switzerland, and Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds and Royal Bank of Scotland in Britain.  

Over 300 financial institutions funding nuclear firms: NGO ,Economic Times, 5 March 12,  http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics/nation/over-300-financial-institutions-funding-nuclear-firms-ngo/articleshow/12151557.cms NEW DELHI: A foreign NGO today claimed that more than 300 financial institutions, including some Indian firms, have exposure to 20 major nuclear weapons companies across the world and urged them to stop these investments.

The NGO, International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), has also named Indian conglomerate Larsen and Toubro (L&T), which has done some work for Indian Navy and the missile system, in a report released today.

“L&T is involved in the design and construction of five nuclear-armed submarines for the Indian navy, each of which will be equipped with 12 missiles. The company has also tested a launch system for India’s nuclear missiles,” it said. Continue reading →

March 6, 2012 Posted by | 2 WORLD, business and costs | 1 Comment

Muslims, Christians join other religions in opposing Kudankulam nuclear powerr

Religions unite in fight against nuclear plant, TNN | Mar 5, 2012, TIRUNELVELI: In a strong message that all religions are united in the fight against the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP), protesters offered special prayers at the Viswamithrar temple situated at Vijayapathi village near Kudankulam, on Sunday.

About 250 villagers, both men and women fasted from Friday onwards to prepare themselves for the ritual of carrying milk pots to the temple. At the break of day on Sunday, people from coastal villages like Chettikulam, Kudankulam, Idinthakarai, Vairavikinaru, Avudayapuram, Thillainagar, Koothankuli gathered at the Pathrakaliamman temple at Kudankulam where special prayers were offered before commencing the rally. After the prayers, 207 women carried the milk pots and went on a rally through Kudankulam, Vairavikinaru, Idinthakarai, Mela Vijayapathi and Keela Vijayapathi to reach the Viswamithrar temple situated on the sea shore at Vijayapathi village.

The rally, which started from Kudankulam at 6am, reached the temple by 7.15am after which special poojas were performed. The villagers, who hailed from all religious denominations, received the ‘prasad’ at the temple and prayed that the KKNPP will be abandoned…..

“People from every religion, including Muslims from Keela Vijayapathi participated in the ceremony and offered prayers at the temple. Among the 207 milk pots, 13 of them were carried by Christians from Idinthakarai. We are together in our fight against the nuclear power plant that will endanger our lives,” said Peter Milton from Idinthakarai, who is also a member of the People’s Movement Against Nuclear Energy (PMANE)…. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/madurai/Religions-unite-in-fight-against-nuclear-plant/articleshow/12140823.cms

March 6, 2012 Posted by | India, Religion and ethics | Leave a comment

Japan’s radioactive cleanup, a mammoth and uncertain task that will take decades

The waste would remain in the longer-term storage for 30 years, until half the radioactive cesium breaks down. Then it would still have to be treated and compacted   using technology that hasn’t been fully developed yet   before being buried deep underground in enclosed
containers. ….

Japan cleans up radiation zone, unsure of success, The News, March 06, 2012   FUKUSHIMA, Japan: Workers in rubber boots chip at the frozen ground, scraping until they’ve removed the top 2 inches (5 centimeters) of radioactive soil from the yard of a single home. Total amount of waste gathered: roughly 60 tons.

One down, tens of thousands to go. Continue reading →

March 6, 2012 Posted by | Japan, Reference, wastes | Leave a comment

India is especially at risk from a nuclear disaster

 in India we need to worry much more about all risky development projects, because we have a larger and poorer population, with far lower social safety nets in place than in many other parts of the world, less transparency and regulatory accountability making people more vulnerable to risks than in other, more developed countries. …..

Losing the plot, THE HINDU, LIGIA NORONHA, 4 Mar   The response to the anti-Kudankulam protest shows that space for the democratic right of dissent is shrinking. I have been watching with a growing concern the unfolding story around the issue of the nuclear plant at Kudankulam. My concern is at two levels:

One, that it seems bizarre that it should not be expected that there would be an additional concern about nuclear energy post-Fukushima, given the whole new dimension of risk that the
incident brought to light around the nuclear question;

and two, that the manner in which the confrontation is unfolding is an example of a
larger pattern of not wanting any questions or dissent around India’s growth story.
It would indeed have been disturbing if people were not worrying about a nuclear plant post the Fukushima incident, especially in an area which has experienced a tsunami. …. Continue reading →

March 6, 2012 Posted by | general | Leave a comment

Quebec rejects uranium mining

Quebec Says No to Uranium World Business Report, 4 Mar 12, In 2009, on the North-Shore of Quebec, the population of Sept-ÃŽles, with the help of “Sept-ÃŽles sans uranium”, had expressed its opposition against Terre Venture. The population won, and the company abandoned its project. Continue reading →

March 6, 2012 Posted by | Canada, opposition to nuclear, Uranium | Leave a comment

Indian government’s unfair attack on 4 non government organisations (NGOs)

Govt’s attack against NGOs lopsided, Hindustan Times, 4 Mar 12,  “……..The civil society uprising across India has hurt the government more than the slinging attacks from the opposition. And, the government had been looking to hit back and it did by initiating action against fourTamil Nadu based NGOs for alleged misuse of funds to stall Kudankulam nuclear plant.

Even the officials in ministry of home affairs, which monitors foreign funding to NGOs, agree that finding a clinching evidence of misuse of funds by these four NGOs will be difficult. Continue reading →

March 6, 2012 Posted by | general | Leave a comment

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