World renowned Arkaroola Wilderness still threatened by uranium mining

Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary director Marg Sprigg says the overhaul of the state’s mining laws has done little to beef up environmental protection. “Unless further conditions are imposed in any licence to explore for uranium within Arkaroola, bulldozers can again move in, carving tracks through fragile environments and flattening steep slopes to create closely spaced drilling pads,”

Arkaroola mining measures criticised, The Advertiser, ADAM TODD November 22, 2010 ARKAROOLA Wilderness Sanctuary is still under threat from miners despite new laws aimed at penalising those who breach exploration and mining licences, the sanctuary’s director says.

Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary director Marg Sprigg says the overhaul of the state’s mining laws has done little to beef up environmental protection.

“Unless further conditions are imposed in any licence to explore for uranium within Arkaroola, bulldozers can again move in, carving tracks through fragile environments and flattening steep slopes to create closely spaced drilling pads,” she said.

The laws provide new conditions and imposes new penalties for those who breach them.

Mining exploration company Marathon Resources has been exploring the Mt Gee area in Arkaroola in the northern Flinders Ranges where it hopes to develop a uranium deposit…..Arkaroola mining measures criticised | Adelaide Now

Marathon had its exploration rights in the area suspended in 2008, when it was found to have dumped uranium drilling waste illegally, but resumed in August……

Ms Sprigg said the Mining Act still needed further amendments.

“South Australia still has a long way to go before it recognises the permanent values it has in its rare and spectacular arid mountain range land,” she said.

November 22, 2010 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | environment, South Australia, uranium | antinuclear, Arkaroola, Australia, nuclear, nuclear wastes, radiation, radioactive, South Australia, uranium

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