From: Bob Phillips
[bphillip@ceinternet.com.au]
Sent: Saturday, 20 July 2002 5:38
PM
To: ecita.sen@aph.gov.au
Subject: Submission to the
Senate Inquiry into the Environmental Regulation of Uranium Mining
The Secretary,
Senate ECITA References Committee,
Parliament House,
Canberra
Dear Sir/Ms,
Submission to The Senate Inquiry into the Environmental
Regulation of Uranium Mining
If Australia continues to permit uranium mining it is
imperative that the standards of monitoring, regulation and reporting for this
industry are substantially improved. The scheduled Senate inquiry must
ensure that such standards are strictly enforced.
Uranium mining in Australia has been controversial for many
years and has been supported by governments on both sides of politics despite
plenty of evidence that there have been adverse effects on the environment and
the rights of indigenous peoples.
The In Situ Leaching (ISL) process used at the Beverley
mine in South Australia has polluted groundwater and has a history of surface
leaks and spills. There have already been four serious leaks this
year.
There have been many leaks and environmental impacts at the
Ranger mine in Kakadu. One of the incidents revealed this year by a former
employee produced uranium levels in the Kakudu National Park 70 times greater
than the reporting standard. There have been more than 110 documented
environmental breaches at the Ranger mine.
The following proposals deserve serious examination by the
Committee:
Regarding the Beverley and Honeymoon ISL Mines
-
+ No discharge of mine waste into groundwater
+ Prohibition of underground leaks into connected
aquifers
+ Rehabilitation where mining has impacted on
groundwater
+ More frequent monitoring of operations
+ Public reporting of all radioactive leaks
+ Improved environmental assessment of the management of mine
wastes.
Regarding the Kakadu Mines -
+ The Australian and Northern Territory Governments should
oversee the rehabilitation of the Jabiluka and Koongarra mineral leases in
the area of the Kakadu National Park, and facilitate the relinquishment of
these leases so that they can be incorporated into the National
Park.
+ The Ranger mine should be phased out and assistance provided
to the local aboriginal people to establish an economy not dependent on
mining.
+ The Australian and Northern Territory Governments should act
to ensure that the environmental impacts of the Ranger mine are reduced, and
that its monitoring, reporting and regulatory procedures are
strengthened.
Bob Phillips
18 Hill Street
Belmont
NSW 2280