[Greens-Media] Alice Springs uranium mine a step closer to confrontation

[Norton, Tim (Sen R. Siewert)]

Alice Springs uranium mine a step closer to confrontation
Monday 6th October 2008

The granting of exploration approval for the Angela Pamela uranium
project near Alice Springs raises the stakes in what is set to be a
major confrontation between the uranium mining industry and the wider
community, say the Australian Greens.

"Uranium mining anywhere is a tragedy. Uranium mining in the Alice
Springs groundwater catchment is a travesty," said Senator Scott Ludlam.

"I am surprised the Paladin/Cameco consortium is so willing to pick a
fight with one of Australia's most tight-knit and self-reliant
communities, who have already formed the Alice Springs Angela Pamela
group (ASAP), made up of medical professionals, environmental
specialists, indigenous peoples and community activists."

"Mining executives in cities thousands of kilometres away seem to think
their uranium mine will be welcomed with open arms by the Alice
community. As people get a more accurate idea of the unique ways in
which uranium mining permanently contaminates the air, land and water, I
imagine the community will be delivering an entirely different message.
I'll be doing everything I can to make sure the people of the red centre
get the help and support they deserve," Senator Ludlam said.

"The Greens are the only political party standing up against the toxic
and obsolete uranium trade. This is the solar century, and it's time we
left nuclear weapons and uranium mining in the scrapheap of history
where they belong," he concluded.

For more information or media enquiries please call Tim Norton on 0418
401 180
senator.ludlam at aph.gov.au  |  www.scottludlam.org.au  |
www.greensmps.org.au