[Greens-Media] MARK PARNELL MLC: Greens deplore 4 Mile In-Situ Leach Nuke Approval

[Parnell]

Media Release
Thursday 28th August, 2008

Greens deplore 4 Mile In-Situ Leach Nuke Approval


Today's approval by Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett of the
in-situ leach uranium mine at 4 Mile (Beverley) is deeply disappointing,
and reinforces South Australia's reputation for being an easy target for
sub-standard mining environmental practices. 

The 4- Mile site overlaps the internationally renowned Arkaroola
Wilderness Sanctuary, itself the subject of an extensive clean-up after
damage at the hands of another uranium miner, Marathon Resources.  In
announcing his decision, Peter Garrett said:  "My decision demonstrates
the Government's commitment to ensuring world's best practice
environmental standards for uranium mining in this country"

"Today's decision by Peter Garrett rubber stamps the deliberate infusion
of sulphuric acid into a publicly owned water aquifer without any need
for the mining company to rehabilitate the aquifer after they have
finished," said Mark Parnell.

"How can anyone call that 'world's best practice'? 

"The in-situ leaching process is highly controversial - with very good
reason.  Pumping acid into the soil and aquifers will leave behind acid
and radioactive wastes for many years. 

"Not only will today's decision mean even more South Australia uranium
will hit the international nuclear market, we are wrecking our
environment as we mine it.  

"Today's approval by Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett is
deeply disappointing.  It will impose a major environmental risk and
pollution burden on future generations.

"The Greens call on Garrett to urgently re-consider his decision," Mr
Parnell said

 

	
For further comment contact Craig Wilkins on 0434 007 893

	
 
 


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