Antinuclear

Toro undecided about developing Wiluna uranium mine, as stricter environmental rules imposed

Toro Energy‘s WA Uranium Mine Receives Stricter Environmental Conditions International Business Times, By Esther Tanquintic-Misa | September 19, 2012  Western Australia’s first uranium mine project, five years after a ban was lifted that constricted uranium mining in the area, has received new and stricter environmental conditions from an independent appeals committee.
On Wednesday, WA environment minister Bill Marmion said an independent committee, based on 21 grounds of appeal, had recommended several changes to the draft conditions that WA’s Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) granted in May to Australian uranium project developer and explorer Toro Energy Limited, owner of the currently highly controversial Wiluna uranium mine.

The said new and stricter environmental conditions, according to Mr Marmion, targets to strengthen the protection of stygofauna and groundwater dependent vegetation, as well as better address surface water flows,  dust   management and rehabilitation around the area…… Uranium is what is used to fuel nuclear reactors. Global sentiment on the use and safety of nuclear reactors as a main energy source has been on the negative after the catastrophic meltdown of Japan’s Fukushima nuclear reactors in 2011, triggered by the magnitude 9.0 earthquake and tsunami that hit the country in March.

Adelaide-based Toro Energy, Wiluna uranium mine owner, has until the first half of 2013 to decide whether to proceed developing the project.

Controlled 39 per cent by OZ Minerals, Toro Energy plans to start the construction and commissioning through 2013, with first sales expected in 2014. Toro Energy forecasts a 1,200-tonne a year uranium oxide production from Wiluna. Its projected mine lifespan is up to 14 years.  http://au.ibtimes.com/articles/385890/20120919/uranium-toro-australia-fukushima-nuclear.htm#.UFtskrJlT4Y

September 20, 2012 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | business, uranium, Western Australia