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
Lynas wants Western Australia to overturn law against importing radioactive wastes
Lynas left holding the baby, Aliran, 14 September 2012 If Lynas Corporation thinks that Western Australia will take its radioactive waste, it can think again, asserts Robin Chapple. Lynas has now submitted an application to the regulator, the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA), to import radioactive waste from Malaysia,” an Australian High Commission spokesman told The Malaysian Insider today.
This revelation beggars belief as just a few days ago a two-year temporary licence to operate was granted to Lynas, who intend to ship radioactive ores through Fremantle Port to export them to their plant in Malaysia, now seem to be asserting that they should be able to import the wastes of those ores back onto Australian soil.
Malaysia’s nuclear regulator Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB) had said that the Australian miner was legally bound to remove radioactive waste from its Lynas Advanced Materials Plant (LAMP) and return the residue to Australia under conditions of the temporary operating licence.
However, this news flies in the face of Australian government policy, and indeed Western Australian legislation, which asserts that Australia does not accept or import radioactive waste from other countries.
Robin Chapple MLC, Greens spokesperson for Mining Issues, commented on Lynas’ recent move: “It seems that again Lynas thinks it is outside the law as it is operating in Malaysia, and may be subject to less rigorous legal scrutiny. Well, it isn’t, and if it thinks that Western Australia will take this radioactive waste, it can think again.
“It didn’t consult with community on shipping its radioactive ores through Fremantle port, and it certainly hasn’t consulted on shipping back the radioactive waste. The WA Nuclear Waste Storage (Prohibition) Act 1999 prohibits it here. Period!
But really, you have to laugh. Lynas has now been tripped up by its own lack of willingness to take heed of Australia’s expectations with respect to sustainable mining and environmental, social and legal standards, and hasn’t it got it’s come-uppance. Talk about being left holding the baby!… http://aliran.com/10198.html
Marathon 270 Km walk strengthens Western Australia’s anti nuclear, anti uranium movement
WALKERS CELEBRATE END OF WALK WITH JAPAN NUCLEAR PHASEOUT After walking for four weeks and over 270kms, the Walkatjurra Walkabout is completing the last ten kilometres this morning to reach their destination in Leonora. Starting from Yeelirrie, the walk is a collaborative effort of people from across Australia and local Traditional Owners to build resistance to the threat of uranium mining in Western Australia.
“Over one hundred and fifty walkers have participated in this event, and we have received messages of support and solidarity from people across the world. Globally communities are resisting the nuclear industry at every stage, and it is our responsibility here in Australia to ensure that uranium stays in the ground.”
The walk is a celebration of the strength of the community in Leonora who have successfully fought to stop uranium mining at Yeelirrie for over forty years. News of the recent acquisition of the Yeelirrie deposit by Canadian company Cameco has been a catalyst for renewed opposition.
Traditional Owner of Yeelirrie, Kado Muir: “Yesterday the Walkatjurra Walkabout joined us in re-establishing Kutunatu Ngurra a traditional camping place and sacred site where we have maintained our cultural practice and connection to country. The West Australian Nuclear Free Alliance (WANFA) will meet here this weekend, and bring together
Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to continue to work in solidarity to uphold our right to protect country”.
As we meet on our lands to build momentum WANFA, the walkers of the Walkatjurra Walkabout and Traditional Owners send our messages of support and solidarity to the four thousand protestors in India protesting nuclear power. Our thoughts are with the family of the individual shot during this protest. We are heartened to hear that Japan has now decided to phase out nuclear power and we call on the Australian Government to stop promoting the sale of uranium to these
countries.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Kado Muir: 0477 184 957
Laura Hogan: 0421 816 846
Marcus Atkinson: 0400 505 765
Traditional Aboriginal Owners demand consultation on uranium
6 Sept 12, The Walkatjurra Walkabout started at Yeelirrie on the 24th August, led by Traditional Owner, Kado Muir. Days after leaving Yeelirrie, BHP Billiton announced that they had sold their uranium project to Canadian company, Cameco.
Unionists and dedicated environmentalists walk to oppose Wiluna uranium mining project in Western Australia
Remote walk against uranium mining in WA ABC News Aug 31, 2012 A major union is vowing to overturn Labor leader Mark McGowan’s decision on uranium mining. Earlier this year, Mr McGowan softened Labor’s anti-uranium stance, saying if the party wins power at the State election it will not close any mines that have already received final approval.South Australian company, Toro Energy, is within a whisker of that deadline.
It hopes to open WA’s first uranium mine near Wiluna and is expecting the project to be approved by the end of the year.
But Steve McCartney from the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union says the union will be lobbying hard to reverse Mr McGowan’s decision.
“Our main objections are we don’t want our members exposed to uranium,” he said. “We believe it’s unsafe. We believe that this is an industry we don’t need in Western Australia.”
The union’s comments come as anti-nuclear protestors trek about 200 kilometres from Yeelirrie to Leonora to protest against uranium mining in Western Australia.
It may seem like a futile gesture, trying to raise awareness in one of Australia’s most remote locations.
But, the protestors, who have come from across Australia to take part in the walk, believe the event is all the more important given this week’s sale of WA’s largest uranium reserve, Yeelirrie, to Canadian uranium producer, Cameco.
Brisbane retiree, June Norman, says she is taking part in the walk because she is worried about Australia’s future.
“I’m really really concerned. I have grandchildren and I have great grandchildren and I want them to live in the beautiful country that I’ve grown up in and my children have grown up in and at the rate things are going, I worry about that,” she said….. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-08-31/remote-walk-against-uranium-mining-in-wa/4236918
Traditional Aboriginal owner leads renewed fight against Yeelirrie uranium mining
Traditional owner opposes Yeelirrie development http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-08-28/traditional-owner-opposes-yeelirrie-development/4227384 Aug 28, 2012 A traditional owner is planning to step up protests against uranium mining at Yeelirrie, near Wiluna. Kado Muir says the new owners of the Yeelirrie deposit in the Goldfields will have a tough time trying to develop a mine at the site.
BHP Billiton has announced it is selling the deposit to Canadian-based Cameco.The Minister for Mines, Norman Moore, has welcomed the deal saying Cameco is more likely to develop a mine at the site.
Mr Muir says he is concerned about the change of ownership. “With Cameco in place, it does cause quite a bit of concern for us because they are a company who will seek to develop the mine as quickly and as soon as they can,” he said.
“That just adds impetus to our campaign to ensure that WA remains a uranium-free state.”
Mr Muir believes the public will not support uranium mining in WA. “We are worried about it,” he said. “[Cameco] are up against the wall in terms of time lines and the people of WA have not yet had the chance to voice their concerns about
uranium mining at the ballot box. “There is no broad community support for uranium mining in WA.”
BHP passes off dubious West Australian uranium “asset” to Cameco
BHP offloads Australian uranium project to Cameco August 30, 2012 Business Recorder, BHP Billiton on Monday said it was selling one of Australia’s largest underdeveloped uranium mines to Cameco for US $430 million, just days after delaying its Olympic Dam copper and uranium project. The world’s biggest miner said an agreement had been signed for its wholly-owned Yeelirrie uranium deposit in Western Australia, and was awaiting clearance from Australian regulators and the state government. ….
Chief executive of Melbourne-based BHP Marius Kloppers last week said the company had no plans to develop any uranium projects other than Olympic Dam. “Generally speaking those mines are too small a scale to fit in our portfolio and the product, quite candidly, is too small to fit into our portfolio on its own,” he said. http://www.brecorder.com/agriculture-a-allied/183/1232067/
Collapse of uranium market led to BHP and Cameco halting uranium mining projects
He [BHP CEO Marius Kloppers] said demand for uranium had collapsed after the Fukushima nuclear incident last year
The Olympic Dam and Yeelirrie shocks from BHP came hot on the heels of the decision by Canada’s Cameco to go slow on a development of its Kintyre uranium project in WA’s Great Sandy Desert
Barnett tells miner to sell asset to other developers BY: ANDREW BURRELL The Australian August 27, 2012 BHP Billiton has abandoned its controversial Yeelirrie uranium project in Western Australia, with chief executive Marius Kloppers saying the deposit is too small for the mining giant’s portfolio at a time of collapsing global demand. Continue reading
BHP dumps its Western Australian uranium project, as well as the South Australian one
BHP abandons WA uranium project Business Spectator, , 27 Aug 2012 Plans for BHP Billiton Ltd to develop its controversial WA Yeelirrie uranium site have been let go after its chief executive, Marius Kloppers, said the deposit is too small for its portfolio with the company bracing for a decline in worldwide demand, …. http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/BHP-abandons-WA-uranium-project-pd20120827-XJSPJ?opendocument&src=rss
Australian breakthrough in solar energy storage
The picture at left is of a typical Lithium ion battery, not the sodium ion one. But I do my best! – CM
Australian scientists make renewable energy storage breakthrough, Home Heating Guide By Katie Anderson August 10, 2012 Although renewable energy technologies have come on leaps and bounds in the last couple of decades, a solution to economical energy storage remains a big stumbling block in the quest to generate more energy with sustainable technologies and to make renewable energies more affordable. However a team of scientists in Australia are one step closer to finding a viable solution in terms of storing solar and wind energy for use in non-generation times – at night and during windless days. And it comes in the form of a water-based sodium-ion battery , developed by researchers from the School of Chemical and Mathematical Sciences at Murdoch University in Perth, Western Australia. Continue reading
Toro Energy – time to come clean on costs of Wiluna uranium mine plan
8 Aug 12 Western Australia’s peak environment group, one of the appellants against Toro Energy Ltd’s proposed Wiluna uranium mine, has called on the company to reveal the expected costs for closure and rehabilitation for the mine, which the Council says could make the project uneconomic.
Piers Verstegen, CCWA Director said “Under WA’s new mine closure guidelines, mining companies are required to pay the full costs of mine closure. In addition, the WA Parliament recently passed a motion that would require uranium mine waste to be isolated from the environment for no less than 10,000 years.
Despite these requirements, Toro are making claims about the financial viability of the Wiluna uranium project without disclosing the costs of mine closure and rehabilitation to shareholders, the WA Government or the community they expect to host the mine.”
“Mining giants BHP and Cameco have both recently concluded that their uranium projects in WA and South Australia are not economically viable. After carefully analysing the cost structure of uranium projects including the very high mine closure and rehabilitation costs, these companies have shelved their projects as they simply don’t stack up.
“The big difference between Toro Energy and the mining giants is they have no operating mining projects and nothing to lose. Unlike BHP and Cameco who have huge portfolios at stake, Toro energy could easily abandon an uneconomic uranium mine and leave the clean-up bill to be paid by WA taxpayers.
“Even their largest investor Oz Minerals, which holds a 43% stake in the company, described Toro as a ‘tiny company’ and a ‘non core asset’ at their recent AGM in Melbourne.
“It may be that Toro’s business model does not involve ever paying their mine closure costs, with the company instead planning to abandon the mine site and leave this liability to the WA taxpayer. This would explain the company’s failure to account for mine closure costs in the information they have provided to shareholders.
“Given this very real possibility, the WA Government should apply the same standards used by the big mining companies in assessing uranium proposals. If Companies like BHP and Cameco are not prepared to gamble their extensive assets on this uncertain industry, our Government should not be prepared to gamble taxpayers’ money and the health of our environment and communities on uranium mining.”
Outback Aboriginal company joins forces with solar power company
Aboriginal people to install solar systems in remote WA communities http://www.abc.net.au/rural news/content/201207/s3556353.htm ABC rural news By Babs McHugh , 30/07/2012 An Indigenous mining company has joined forces with a solar power company to build renewable energy systems in remote Western Australia.
Carey Power plans to train and employ local Aboriginal people to install and maintain the power systems, which will also be rolled out to mine sites.
Minnie King is a Torres Strait Islander who’ll run the company, which has already signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with an Aboriginal Corporation in the Northern Territory to look at power solutions there.
She says Carey Power will be initially focused on solar energy projects, using panels bought in China.
“We’re interested in looking at perhaps doing hybrids, where there are existing diesel generation systems in communities, looking at installing solar there, perhaps solar farms,” she said. “But in saying that, there are other technologies that we would be interested in exploring down the track.”
Warning on over optimism about Australia’s uranium industry
Toro boss says analysts overestimate uranium industry Australian Mining 19 July, 2012 Andrew Duffy Toro Energy managing director Greg Hall, who is leading the development of WA’s first export uranium mine, says analysts have overestimated future uranium production….
new projects must pass technical, regulatory and finance hurdles, often uniquely specific to the uranium sector, before construction and ultimately production can come online,” he said.
“In this regard Toro believes the market and a number of uranium analysts are being overly optimistic on supply timelines for new uranium projects and that as a result future production is overestimated.”
Toro Energy now postponing decision on whether to go ahead with Wiluna uranium mine
WA’s first uranium mine delayed Business Spectator, 19 Jul 2012 The timeline for Western Australia’s first uranium mine has slipped after a rigorous environmental assessment. Toro Energy Ltd announced a revised target date for a final board decision on whether to proceed with its Wiluna project in central WA, moving it back to the first half of 2013.
The company had previously expected to make a final decision by the end of 2012.
The project was approved by the state’s Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) in May and appeals are being reviewed before a final decision by WA environment minister Bill Marmion. Managing director Greg Hall said yesterday the company hoped Mr Marmion would make a decision by the end of September….
…. In 2008, the Liberal state government lifted a six-year ban on uranium mining that was imposed by the previous Labor government. WA’s Labor opposition remains has not changed its stance on uranium mining, but says it will not stand in the way of any planned uranium mine that has received approvals if the party wins state elections in March.
There are no other uranium projects in WA that would be fullyenvironmentally approved by the time of the election.
ww.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Timeline-for-WAs-first-uranium-mine-slips-WC4P8?OpenDocument
Anti nuclear protes targets Toro Energy at Australian Uranium Conference in Fremantle
Protesters to target uranium conference, AAP, The West Australian July 18, 2012 Anti-uranium protesters will make the “symbolic gesture” of bashing a bull pinata, representing Toro Energy, outside a uranium conference while the firm’s chief is addressing delegates.
Protesters have traditionally camped outside during the morning sessions of the two-day Australian Uranium Conference in Fremantle, south of Perth, complete with costumes, signs and music.
But this year organisers have chosen the afternoon session of the second day to target Toro Energy for its plans to develop the State’s first uranium mine in WA’s mid-west region. In May, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) approved a
proposal to develop the mine 30km from Wiluna.
Anti-Nuclear Alliance of WA spokesman Marcus Atkinson said the protesters would make the “symbolic gesture” of bashing a pinata shaped like a bull – after Toro Energy’s logo – as managing director Greg Hall made his presentation at the conference on Thursday.
Since the EPA approved Toro Energy’s proposal, several anti-uranium groups have indicated they will appeal the decision,…..
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