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