Olympic Dam processing plant. Image by Jessie Boylan
Challenge BHP’s plans for the world’s largest uranium mine
Date: 25-Jun-2009
Submissions to let the decision makers know of the flaws in BHP’s uranium expansion plan closed on 7 August. Thanks to all who sent one in.
You can read our submission here »
We have provided an e-card, but it would be more effective to send in your own submission if you can.
Australia should not become the uranium quarry to the global nuclear industry – our uranium exports fuel unacceptable nuclear risks and unresolved nuclear waste management around the globe.
Federal and SA governments are now assessing an 'Environmental Impact Statement' (an EIS) on BHP Billiton’s plans for the world’s largest open pit mine at Olympic Dam in northern SA.
All Australian's have a right to express your critical views, to demand government accountability and to participate by making a submission to the EIS. Public submissions are open to Friday 7 August.
ACF is calling on BHP to have to spare Australia the massive risks and responsibilities associated with uranium exports by retaining all radioactive materials on the mine site. If there is a future for Olympic Dam it is to trade as a copper mine and to process Olympic Dam's significant copper deposits on the mine site – rather than selling bulk uranium infused copper concentrate to China for processing.
Let the decision makers know of the flaws in BHP's plan
There are two ways you can make a difference:
- Make your own submission on the EIS to the Federal and SA government decision makers. This is the most effective way to make a difference.
- If you haven't much time, send an ecard and make a public submission.
More information on the risks in proposed BHP mining
There are many flaws in the BHP plan - it is over sized, subsidised and designed to leak liquid radioactive waste. BHP intend to dump radioactive tailings on the ground, to place fragile ecosystems at risk from their massively increased water supply demands, and to hide behind outdated legal privileges in a 1982 Roxby Downs Indenture Ratification Act that over rides the Environment Protection Act in SA.
Nuclear safeguards offer only an illusion of protection and our uranium will simply disappear off the 'safeguards' radar on arrival in China.
Need further info? Download our 'Making a submission to the Olympic Dam EIS' brief »