Antinuclear

Australian uranium companies exploit workers in Africa

Anglo-Australian group Rio Tinto is the majority shareholder in Rossing Uranium, the world’s oldest and largest open-pit uranium mine operation, which is in Namibia. 

Australia’s Paladin Energy wholly owns Langer Heinrich uranium mine and French nuclear utility Areva is developing the Trekkopje uranium mine, both in Namibia. 
Extract Uranium is developing Husab uranium deposit, which could become one of the world’s largest and Canadian Forsys Metals Corp, Australian firm Bannermann resources are developing Valencia and Etango uranium projects in Namibia. 

Uranium mining – the grim realities The Southern Times, South Africa, By Felix Njini 01-08-2011“……Windhoek – Namibia and South Africa are amongst African countries that lack regulatory capacity and technical knowledge to monitor environmental impact and radiation poisoning on workers and communities due to uranium mining.  A study that delved into the environmental impact of uranium mining in Central African Republic (CAR), Namibia and South Africa concluded that mining operations’ health consequences on workers and the environment are severe. 

Dutch-based researchers Somo & Wise’s findings are contained in the report titled ‘Uranium from Africa’.

While African governments bend over backwards to attract investment in the booming uranium mining sector, investors pay scant attention to mitigating impact on workers, the community and the environment.
Drawing comparisons with Australia and Canada – which have strict laws and monitoring systems – Somo & Wise’s study noted that uranium mining requires excellent laws and law enforcement, disciplined, knowledgeable and dedicated governments and institutions backed by a strong civil society to police the activities of mining companies.

In the three countries which the Somo & Wise study centred on, there is uncontrolled pollution, and citizens and workers are not being informed about radiation exposure.

Surrounding communities have little say in mining affairs and in many cases abandoned mining sites are not properly secured.

‘Of major concern is the fact that the African governments and institutions all seem to lack knowledge and resources to govern issues that are as hazardous as uranium mining.

‘Alarming reports from NGOs in all the African states showed that mitigation of uranium mining impacts is insufficient,’ the study reveals.

The researchers allege that pollution is not being managed properly and there is lack of evidence from mining companies that tailing dams will be managed in a way that minimizes environmental damage.

Governments and communities appear unaware of the seriousness of lasting pollution from tailing dams and companies who conduct mining do not disclose closure plans.

Australia’s Paladin Energy wholly owns Langer Heinrich uranium mine and French nuclear utility Areva is developing the Trekkopje uranium mine, both in Namibia.

Extract Uranium is developing Husab uranium deposit, which could become one of the world’s largest and Canadian Forsys Metals Corp, Australian firm Bannermann resources are developing Valencia and Etango uranium projects in Namibia. Projections are that Namibia could supply about 15 percent of global primary uranium should all the planned projects come on-stream.

However, the Somo & Wise study, if independently substantiated, paints grim realities on the impact of uranium mining on the environment and workers.

Uranium has radioactive elements that can pollute the environment for thousands of years.

The study says Namibia does not have laws to regulate uranium mining and its specific hazards.

The country’s Radiation Authority is severely curtailed by lack of staff and insufficient funding.

August 2, 2011 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | AUSTRALIA - NATIONAL, politics international, uranium