From: Daniel Moss [cactusmoss@hotmail.com]
Sent: Thursday, 8 August 2002 11:54 AM
To: ecita.sen@aph.gov.au
Subject: Uranium inquiy

I am very concerned with the increasing uranium mining occurring in Australia. It seems that the government is unconcerned with the fact that mining uranium leads to nuclear waste that is radioactive for timespans we are unable to comprehend. It is a crime against future generation to continue down this path, when we know the dangers and long term problems associated with uranium mining.

 Australia ignores the various Indigenous nations who are against the mining of uranium on their land. The majority of Australians are also ignored in favour of American and big business interests.

 I also fail to understand the logic of Beverly and Honeymoon uranium mines falling outside the jurisdiction of the EPA. This is surely a conspiracy to hide the damage these mines are doing tothe environment. Particularly in regard to the insitu leach mining process used, which simply dumps radioactive waste back into the groundwater. The lack of rehabilitation is a concern, as is the numerous radioactive leaks at Beverly uranium mine.

The dumping of nuclear waste into groundwater must cease. Rehabilitation must also occur at all mine sites.

The dumping of liquid nuclear waste into the groundwater also threatens the Great Artesian Basin over time. There are surely links between the groundwater aquifers the waste is being dumped in and the Great Artesian Basin, which is only 70-80kms away.

The massive amount of water that WMC is extracting each day from the basin is also a grave concern. The mound springs, which are sacred to the Arabunna and Kokatha people, are drying up or have dried up since mining commenced. The ecology of the desert is in peril without these much needed water sources. This also threatens the Indigenous people in the area, and amounts to further genocide on these people. (who have also suffered from British nuclear tests)

The Ranger mine, 'surrounded' by KAkadu National PArk is also failing to live up to required standards, with many breaches, such as dumping ore in the wrong place and numerous leaks into the national parks. the uranium concentration allowed in runoff is also far too high.

The Jabiluka mine must be stopped permanently. The culture of the Mirrar people is threatened by the continuation of this mine. This also amounts to further genocide of Indigenous people.

All leaks and problems must be reported to the general public immediately, from all mine sites. The secrecy must end. Indigenous people must be listened to and their wishes respected.

Yours,

Daniel Moss

37 Greenock crescent, Wantirna, 3152, Victoria

 



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