Antinuclear

Call to stop transport of radioactive rare earths through Fremantle

Carles moves to ban rare earth ores in Freo – The West Australian, 5 Sept 11,Fremantle MP Adele Carles has called for the transportation of rare earth ores through Fremantle to be halted immediately because she is concerned about potential radioactivity.In a position that puts her at odds with her partner, Transport Minister Troy Buswell, and the State Government, the independent MP has claimed the rare earths, which are mined by Lynas Corporation at Mt Weld near Laverton, could be a hazard to public health and safety…..

The term “rare earths” refers to a range of metallic elements that are used in a range of modern products including high-powered magnets for wind turbines, electric hybrid vehicles, computer hard discs, smartphones and flat panel displays.

The ore contains thorium and uranium oxides, albeit at levels regulators say do not pose a radiation risk…..

Ms Carles said she was concerned Lynas’ proposal “looks like the Magellan experiment all over again”, referring to the problems Magellan Metals has had in complying with its environmental management plan to export lead carbonate through Fremantle……

Ms Carles yesterday hosted protestors from Malaysia, who are opposed to Lynas building a processing plant in Kuantan, the capital of Malaysia’s Pahang state. The protestors are concerned that the strategically important plant – the only rare earths processing facility outside China – could leave the area a toxic site…..Carles moves to ban rare earth ores in Freo – The West Australian

September 6, 2011 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | environment, Western Australia