Antinuclear

Is South Australia putting all its eggs into uranium mining basket?

South Australian Premier Mike Rann seems inordinately proud that his state is leading the supposed “uranium boom”. He boasts of not only the grand Olympic Dam (? biggest man -made hole in the world), but also Beverley North (largely owned by USA weapons maker Neal Blue) and other mines in the planning or exploration stage.

Trouble is – uranium mining is a huge waste of water – BHP guzzles millions of litres daily – for free –  in such a dry State as S.A.

Problem could be –   what if China really does make a go of its planned nuclear fuel reprocessing?   What happens then to the grand future for South Australia’s uranium market?   Bad enough that the commercial nuclear industry is on its last legs in USA, UK and Europe –  but China has been the great yellow, and yellowcake hope for South Australia.   Might be better for S.A. to diversify, put a bit more support into  agriculture, manufacturing, service industries, and genuine support for renewable energy. – Christina Macpherson

January 4, 2011 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | Christina reviews