Uranium: Greens are asking some critical questions about BHP’s Roxby Downs Indenture Bill
Greens put forward 100 amendments to gridlock mine’s $525 million, by:Sarah Martin, The Advertiser, November 09, 2011 Greens MLC Mark Parnell said his minority party was “not going to be cut short and stopped from asking the questions that need to be asked”, …. BHP says the revised Indenture Act needs to pass Parliament before the end of the year to trigger spending on preparatory work for the mine…. the Bill’s passage could be delayed until Parliament resumes in February next year…..
- WHAT THE GREENS WANT TO KNOW
1. ROYALITIES
Why did the Government lock in a royalty regime for 45 years, and why is it based exclusively on old-style production-based royalties, rather than one that captures a fair share of mining profits?
2. ECONOMIC RETURN
How good an economic deal did SA receive when BHP CEO Marius Kloppers is claiming to his shareholders that the Olympic Dam Expansion will be low cost and highly profitable?
3. PROCESSING IN SA RATHER THAN CHINA
How many South Australian jobs will be lost by not requiring BHP to process our ore here in South Australia rather than exporting it to China?
4. EXEMPTION FROM SA LAWS
Why is BHP exempt from over 20 South Australian laws that every other mining company in SA has to comply with?
5. NO URANIUM OPTION
Why wasnt a No Uranium Roxby Expansion considered when we know it is not only technically feasible, it would also mean less water and energy use and more jobs as the processing would be done here in SA, rather than in China?
6. GREAT ARTESIAN BASIN
Why isn’t there a plan to wean BHP off using 42ML/day of ancient water from the Great Artesian Basin, when they plan double that volume in excess capacity (80ML/day) from their desalination plant?
7. DESALINATION PLANT & CUTTLEFISH RISK
Why is the Government prepared to risk the breeding grounds of the Giant Australian Cuttlefish by not requiring the company to build in a different location?
8. RADIOACTIVE LEAKAGE FROM TAILINGS DAM
How can the Government claim that they have met their public commitment for the expansion to meet worlds best environmental practice when only 4 per cent of the tailings dams will be lined and the dams are designed to leak up to 8 million litres of toxic radioactive waste liquid/day?
9. RESPONSIBILITY POST MINE CLOSURE
Who will ultimately be responsible to manage the open pit, tailings dams and rock waste pile for the 10,000 years after the operations cease that the radioactive risk remains: the company or SA taxpayers, and how much will that management cost?
10. GREENHOUSE POLLUTION & RENEWABLE ENERGY
Why isn’t the company committing to any investment in cleaner energy to meet their whopping 650 MW electricity demand beyond the 57MW commitment for powering the desal plant (less than 10 per cent of total demand) to reduce their enormous increase in the states greenhouse pollution of 12-15 per cent?
Facts on Australia’s new climate change legislation
How the package will roll out , SMH, November 8, 201
Factbox on how the climate package will roll out:
• Carbon emissions tax for the 500 biggest polluters starts on July 1, 2012.
• Tax moves to an emissions trading scheme in 2015.
• Tax will not apply to agricultural emissions or light on-road vehicles.
• Electricity generation, stationary energy, some business transport, waste, industrial processes and fugitive emissions will be covered by the initial tax.
• Average households will see a $9.90 weekly cost rise.
• Average households will receive assistance of $10.10 weekly.
• Free carbon permits will be given to the most emissions-intensive and trade-exposed industries.
• The government wants to cut pollution by 80 per cent by 2050.
(Source: Federal Government)
http://www.smh.com.au/environment/climate-change/how-the-package-will-roll-out-20111108-1n4rn.html
Submission by Australian rare earths company Lynas rejected by Malaysia on safety concerns
Miti on Lynas plant: Safety is top priority, Free Malaysia Today Stephanie Sta Maria, | November 8, 2011, Lynas will not be allowed to operate its plant until it meets IAEA conditions. KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of International Trade and Industry (Miti) today clarified its stand on the controversial rare earth plant in Gebeng, saying the government would not allow Lynas Corporation Ltd to operate if it flouted the rules.
Miti secretary general Rebecca Sta Maria said safety was the ministry’s top priority.
Last week the government revealed that it had rejected Lynas’ submissions on safety requirements for the RM1.5 billion rare earth refinery. This followed reports by the Australian Associated Press that Lynas was expected to commence operations late this year and begin commercially supplying radiation-risk rare earth by next year. Continue reading
Australia’s new climate laws are just the start for our clean energy future
The Clean Energy Finance Corporation [CEFC] and Australian Renewable Energy Agency [ARENA] have the potential to dramatically reshape the investment environment for renewable energy in this country. If they are to be as effective as they possibly can be, the renewable energy industry and those who want to see it grow as fast as it can have a very small window of opportunity to help shape the CEFC’s investment mandate and make suggestions for who should be on the boards of both
independent statutory authorities. We need to get these right and get them moving to give big solar and all the other technologies themarket signal they need to start building.
Now begins the campaign for serious climate action, The Drum, CHRISTINE MILNE, 9 Nov 11 Yesterday we celebrated a huge achievement, with the passage of the Clean Energy Future legislation that finally puts a price on pollution
and gets us ready for historical investments in clean, renewable energy, energy efficiency and protection of landscape carbon.
But, in a very real way, yesterday’s vote is a new beginning for the campaign for serious climate action, not the end. This package of bills was designed carefully to have as many points of review as possible, as many opportunities for campaigning as possible, and as much independent expert advice as possible. Critically, it is designed with complete upward flexibility: there is no limit to ourambition if we are ready to aim high.
The challenge now is to build the political will for ambitious, science-based action over the years ahead. Continue reading
Well planned feed in tariffs are the way to promote renewable energy
a number of studies, including those carried out for the European Commission, have found well-designed and well-implemented feed in tariffs are the most efficient and effective support policies for promoting renewable energy generated electricity.
IPCC Report Supports Feed-In Tariffs, Renewable Energy news, by Energy Matters 08 NOVEMBER, 2011 Australian states without solid feed in tariff programs or reviewing their current arrangements should take note of the Special Report on Renewable Energy Sources and Climate Change Mitigation published by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
Liberals kow tow to BHP ‘s poor deal for South Australia in Roxby Downs Indenture Bill
Roxby Spin vs Reality as Libs Roll-over:
1) EPA not fully independent
2) No guarantee of extra processing on site
Greens Leader Mark Parnell has accused the Liberals of ducking responsibility over the Roxby approval Bill, as more details emerge that undermine confidence in the deal signed between the Government and BHP Billiton. “The Liberals claim they could have got a better deal. Well, they still can,” said Greens Parliamentary Leader Mark Parnell.
“It is not too late for the Parliament of South Australia to insist on a much better deal for our State. We can and should amend the legislation to ratify the Roxby expansion currently before Parliament. “To roll over and pass the Roxby Indenture Bill unchanged will miss a once in a generation opportunity to get this right,” he said.
The call comes as more gaps emerge in the Government’s claims over the Roxby expansion. “The Government claims the EPA will be fully independent. Yet with this Indenture the EPA will still be operating with one hand tied behind its back,” said Mr Parnell.
“Also the Government has talked up the potential to double processing on site at Roxby Downs to 350,000 tonnes of refined copper. Yet this is not a condition in the approval and there is nothing to stop BHP Billiton ignoring that commitment in the future and export all the ore from the expansion and jobs to China. “And this is on top of locking in a ridiculously low royalty rate for the next 45 years.
“The closer we look, the more concerned we are at the very poor deal the State Government has signed on behalf of all South Australians,” he said.
Australia’s carbon tax becomes law
Finally, carbon tax becomes law, The Labor government has finally got its carbon price plan through the Senate — on a vote of 36 to 32. The Age, Michelle Grattan November 8, 2011
The carbon price begins with a tax, starting next July and will move later to a trading scheme. The issue has dogged Labor, contributing to Kevin Rudd’s fall from the leadership, after he backed off on his emission trading scheme, delaying it when he could not get it through the Senate.
‘‘The Gillard government has today secured a clean energy future for all Australians,’’ Ms Gillard said.
Senator Brown said it was ‘‘a green-letter day that will echo down the ages’’. He said the debate on the legislation was over. ‘‘There will be no rescission of this legislation,’’ he said. Mr Abbott has promised he will scrap the legislation.
Finance Minister Penny Wong told Parliament: ‘‘Today we deliver. This is a reform for our children. Today marks the beginning of Australia’s clean future’’. Later she said the issue had been ‘‘a reminder of how hard reform can be’’ and thanked those who had campaigned through difficult times… : http://www.smh.com.au/environment/finally-carbon-tax-becomes-law-20111108-1n4rq.html#ixzz1dAdTELxy
Surprise, surprise, Liberal Party backs BHP’s massive new uranium mine
Opposition to back Olympic Dam mine expansion bill ABC News 8 Nov The Olympic Dam mine expansion legislation is almost certain to pass the South Australian Parliament before Christmas after winning the Opposition’s backing. The SA Liberal Party has met and decided to support the legislation for BHP Billiton to turn Olympic Dam near Roxby Downs into the world’s biggest open cut copper, gold and uranium mine.
The Opposition has decided it will allow the legislation to pass without amendment or delay. Liberal leader Isobel Redmond says her party’s support for the bill will give BHP Billiton certainty.
“There are things that maybe could have been better for the state but with the economic circumstances, with the massive debt, we felt that economically we could not afford for this project not to go ahead,” she said…..
The Minister says there is an option for Parliament to sit an extra week if needed to get the bill through.
SA Greens leader Mark Parnell says it is no surprise the Liberals have given the legislation their support. He says the Greens will ensure the tough questions are asked. “What we have to remember is that it is the biggest industrial project in South Australian history,” he said. “It’s going to be the biggest hole in the ground on the face of the planet and I think the people of South Australia expect their members of parliament to give this project very thorough scrutiny.”
BHP Billiton is to make a final decision on the multi-billion-dollar expansion early next year…http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-11-08/liberals-olympic-dam-legislation-mine/3651486/?site=newcastle
Northern Territory’s new mining law might put the brakes on uranium push
New Territory mining legislation comes into force, ABC News, By Tom Nightingale, November 07, 2011 The mining industry says exploration companies will be the most affected by new Northern Territory legislation that takes effect today.
The Minerals Titles Act aims to increase transparency about the environmental impacts of mining, by increasing obligations about what needs to be reported.The Minerals Council says it agrees with the changes in principle, but is mindful of the potential for excessive red tape….http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-11-07/20111107-mininig-legislation/3650374
Small scale solar energy farms the obvious choice for rural Western Australia
Sun to rise on solar farms, ABC Rural News, By Jo Prendergast , 08/11/2011 The increasing cost-effectiveness of solar energy could see more solar power plants established in regional Australia. The nation’s first utility-scale solar farm is under construction near Geraldton in Western Australia.
Rob Bartrop, from developer First Solar, says decreasing set-up costs mean solar has become competitive with other renewable forms of energy. “A lot of smaller communities throughout Western Australia and indeed Australia rely on diesel generation, which aside from being a very high emitter of greenhouse gases is roughly twice as expensive as solar electricity today,” he said.
“So we see that small scale solar farm market as really the low hanging fruit and the obvious choice.” http://www.abc.net.au/rural/news/content/201111/s3359039.htm
Gillard, Rudd, Obama – talks on uranium to India (as well as nuke waste to Australia)?
Could Gillard and Rudd be set for a nuclear fusion? The Age, Michelle Grattan, November 6, 2011 , JULIA GILLARD and Barack Obama are having plenty of time together. They’ve been at the G20; the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum is coming up in a few days, followed by the President’s visit to Australia and then the East Asia Summit. Somewhere along the way, you’d think they would find time to discuss a big issue on which their two countries disagree – selling uranium to India.
This question is very live in the ALP just now. If the Australian government wants the option of lifting its ban on uranium sales to India in the next two years, it needs to change party policy at the December ALP national conference.
There is considerable support for a policy change. Resources Minister
Martin Ferguson wants it. On the union side, so 
does Australian Workers’ Union boss Paul Howes. As he departed the South Australian premiership last month, Mike Rann declared it was ”probably time to have a rethink on that in terms of the very strict standards that India is now prepared to sign up to”.
Gillard, having committed herself to party reform, will have to say how far she wants to go in this area. Add uranium sales to India and that is quite a bit of potential conflict to manage.
One thing is certain. Any push for change would have to involve Gillard and Rudd standing shoulder to shoulder – just like those other rivals, Hayden and Hawke, did at the 1982 ALP conference…..Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/politics/could-gillard-and-rudd-be-set-for-a-nuclear-fusion-20111105-1n0v5.html#ixzz1d4JgOuFF
Effect of nuclear plants on marine life – are animal activists aware?
Indeed nuclear lobbyists in Australia operate by stealth – not least in Adelaide. ( Comment from a readerof this page) One prolific blogger comes to mind who’s a member of an animal activist group. Impressive one thinks but hopping over to Barry Brook’s website and there he is lobbying for nuclear. This duplicitous gentleman (an animal activist no less) believes it’s quite acceptable for one nuclear plant to suck up a billion marine organisms and marine life every year in the US – the Indian Point nuclear plant.
Adding insult to injury he evaded responding to the fact that “since the advent of the nuclear age in the mid-1940s, the mass of radioactive 129I (t1/2 = 15.7 Myr) circulating in the Earth’s hydrosphere has increased nearly forty fold from its natural background level of 140 kg.
“Nuclear fuel reprocessing has been by far the major contributor, responsible for releasing 5400 kg of 129I (half-life 15.7 million years) primarily into the North Atlantic Ocean. Regional and global trends in the distribution of the 129I inventory are elucidated from an examination of more than 600 determinations of 129I in environmental samples from around the world. Because the major point sources are located in Europe and the United States, more than 99% of the present 129I reservoir is distributed in the Northern Hemisphere, where both 129I concentrations and 129I/I ratios in rivers, lakes, and shallow seawater are several orders of magnitude above the preanthropogenic background.
” …………………. We model the effect of a collapse in thermohaline circulation and project a concentration increase of more than 3 orders of magnitude in shallow oceans over the 10,000 years that follow if nuclear reprocessing is to continue at the present rate. ” “Filthy water cannot be washed.” http://www.agu.org/pubs/crossref/2010/2009GC002910.shtml#citation#citation
NSW wind farm plan to power 80,000 homes, save 10 million tonnes of greenhouse gas
Seventy new turbines planned for Collector, Goulburn Post, BY MADELINE HAYMAN,07 Nov, 2011 A SYDNEY company has planned the construction of almost 70 wind turbines in the vicinity of Collector. Brochures from energy provider RATCH Australia state that the Collector wind farm is now at stage five of the 10 stage approval process, and is currently being assessed under part 3A of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.
“The proposed Collector wind farm is an important renewable energy project that will bring benefits to Collector, NSW and Australia,” RATCH Australia CEO Steve Loxton said. “The proposal is to build 69 wind turbines and associated electrical connections on the hills to the west of Collector. “Wind turbines are an efficient and cost effective way of generating clean, renewable electricity.
“Over its operating life the wind farm is expected to generate more than 10,000 gigawatt hours of renewable energy, equivalent to powering 80,000 homes per year for 25 years,” he said. Mr Loxton also said that the wind farm would save more than 10 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions over its life time…..
“Economic benefits include the revenues earned by the businesses that we will rely on during the construction and operation of the project and by local landholders who are hosting turbines…..
“The local community will directly benefit through the employment opportunities that are generated by the project.”… Mr Loxton said. “As with any new development, there will be some aspects of the proposal that some people will object to. We are working with the community to minimise the impact of these aspects.” http://www.goulburnpost.com.au/news/local/news/general/seventy-new-turbines-planned-for-collector/2348948.aspx
Australian uranium producers struggle, Paladin’s shares dropped 70 % this year
Paladin punished for African shut-downs, THE AUSTRALIAN , November 01, 2011 SHARES in Africa-focused miner Paladin were punished after it reported a fall in uranium production amid weak market prices, despite record sales for the September quarter.
Paladin produced 1.24 million pounds of uranium in the September quarter, a 15 per cent fall compared with 1.46 million pounds in the previous quarter.
The fall was due to shutdowns at Paladin’s operations in Namibia and Malawi, including a ground movement that affected the Malawi mine and reduced its production by 30 per cent.
Paladin shares fell 6.5c, , or 4.2 per cent, to close at $1.50….
Chief executive John Borshoff said the persistent deterioration of the uranium spot price since the Fukushima nuclear accident in March was affecting financial returns..The effects of Fukushima on the industry had highlighted its inability to sustain production growth in an orderly way, he said.
Uranium prices had recently fallen to levels of about $US50 a pound, last seen after Japan’s nuclear accident, causing grief to struggling Australian producers such as Paladin. Paladin’s shares have slumped 70 per cent this year, mainly because of the Fukushima accident.
Kevin Rudd, the Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty, and the push to sell uranium to India
Could Gillard and Rudd be set for a nuclear fusion?, The Age, Michelle Grattan, November 6, 2011 “……Rudd is said by some to be open to the idea [of selling uranium to India] . But he and others in the government have been annoyed at India’s attempts to put pressure on Australia through the media. He recently pointed out, with considerable sharpness, that in terms of supply India didn’t need Australian uranium.
Indeed, the more India makes a public fuss, the harder it is for the government to change policy without appearing to have simply capitulated to its pressure. Rudd and others have also put much emphasis on the nuclear non-proliferation treaty. To drop the requirement that our uranium goes only to signatories is difficult, though not impossible, to explain and justify….
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