Lynas looks to WA, not Wesfarmers, for its Malay solution, WA Today, By Hamish Hastie, Colin Kruger and Darren Gray, March 27, 2019 Western Australia might hold the key to Lynas Corp’s future despite the rare earths miner rejecting a $1.5 billion takeover offer from Perth-based Wesfarmers on Wednesday.
WA’s Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) confirmed it had recently met with the company to discuss approvals in the state.
“These discussions are preliminary in nature and no formal submission for any change has been presented to the EPA,” a spokeswoman for the agency said.
The discussions could help solve the problems in Malaysia which threaten the company’s future, and made it vulnerable to what analysts and investors described as a low-ball bid from Wesfarmers on Tuesday.
Lynas faces an uncertain future after the Malaysian government imposed strict new conditions on its billion-dollar Malaysian operation which could force it to shut down in September.
This includes the permanent removal of a residue with naturally occurring radiation, Water Leached Purification Residue (WLP), from Malaysia.
According to institutional investors, Lynas discussed plans last month to relocate some of its rare earths processing back to Western Australia. All processing is currently handled in Malaysia.
Lynas chief executive Amanda Lacaze denied there was any plan to extract and retain the controversial WLP residue in WA – the state where it is mined – but did confirm it planned to expand its processing operations outside of Malaysia.
She confirmed that Western Australia was a contender.
We operate in a growth industry and we are looking at how we grow our business with the market,” Ms Lacaze said.
According to the EPA, in February 2017 the rare earths miner applied to make changes to conditions of its rare earths operation at its Mt Weld mine in Laverton, 700 kilometres north east of Perth, and “secondary processing” at Meenar in the Shire of Northam 100km north east of Perth.
Lynas received approval for the mine and Meenar processing facility in 1998, but decided to set up its processing plant in 
Malaysia instead.
Anti-nuclear groups had fought the facility in both countries over concerns about rare earths radioactive by-product thorium.
Speaking of the approvals, Ms Lacaze said “it’s not something that we have specifically refreshed for any purpose”.
On Wednesday, Ms Lacaze played down the Wesfarmers bid, saying the highly conditional nature of the approach meant there was “nothing substantive with which to engage”.
“This business is not for sale,” she told the media after the company said “it will not engage with Wesfarmers on the terms outlined in the indicative and highly conditional proposal”.
Lynas said its key assets included its position as “the only significant” rare earths miner and processor outside of China, and its Mt Weld ore body – a long life Tier 1 asset……… https://www.watoday.com.au/business/companies/lynas-looks-to-wa-not-wesfarmers-for-its-malay-solution-20190327-p5186c.html
April 1, 2019
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Radioactive nuclear waste sites “not wanted in Wales” says Anglesey AM https://www.northwaleschronicle.co.uk/news/17533650.radioactive-nuclear-waste-sites-not-wanted-in-wales-says-anglesey-am/?ref=twtrec
By Dale Spridgeon 1 Apr 19, WE don’t welcome radioactive waste sites in Wales says Anglesey’s AM Rhun ap Iorwerth.The Plaid Cymru Shadow Minister for Economy and Finance is urging Local Authorities in Wales to respond to a consultation by Radioactive Waste Management (RWM) before the consultation closes on April 14.
In a question to Welsh Government Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs Lesley Griffiths Mr ap Iorwerth raised his own and constituents’ concerns that the consultation process being undertaken by RWM, as they seek a site for a Geological Disposal Facility to bury radioactive waste.
Mr ap Iorwerth said: “Constituents of mine have raised concerns that there is an effort here by Radioactive Waste Management to move towards a less open consultation process.
“I also have a number of concerns regarding the consultation process.
“My main concern is that it is possible for one landowner or one business even to express an interest in make an application to express interest in hosting a site for radioactive waste disposal.
“I think that is totally unacceptable, especially in the context where Local Authorities may have long since said they don’t want such sites in their area, as Isle of Anglesey County Council has done.
“If a Local Authority has said they don’t want a disposal site in their area then that should be the end of the matter.
“Councils in Wales should be declaring clearly between now and the end of the consultation on April 14 that we don’t welcome permanent geological waste sites here in Wales.”
April 1, 2019
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North Wales Chronicle 30th March 2019 , Anglesey Council has confirmed that it will not volunteer the island to take part in a government search for sites to bury the UK’s stockpile of its most dangerous radioactive waste despite the promise of substantial financial incentives and “well paid jobs.”
Gwynedd Council, meanwhile, says that no discussions have taken place despite a local AM urging Welsh local authorities to respond to a consultation by Radioactive Waste Management (RWM) and “declare clearly” that Wales doesn’t welcome
permanent geological waste sites.
https://www.northwaleschronicle.co.uk/news/17539197.anglesey-rejects-financial-incentive-to-bury-the-uks-stockpile-of-its-most-dangerous-radioactive-waste/
April 1, 2019
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SBS News, 1 Apr 19,
As the federal election approaches, new polling shows how public attitude to climate change are shifting. Only 13 per cent of Australians believe the Morrison government is doing a good job in addressing climate change, according to a new poll.
Results from an Ipsos poll released Sunday framed public perceptions of climate change in the leadup to the federal election, due in May.
It found almost half of Australians now feel that “honouring the Paris Climate Agreement should be a key priority” for this country.
And many Australians want to go even further. Forty per cent said they would like to see an emissions reduction target set that goes beyond reducing emissions by 26 per cent – 28 per cent on 2005 levels by 2030 as set out in the Paris agreement.
In a statement, Ipsos said the poll “uncovered a growing momentum for action on climate change and acceptance of the role of humans in causing it”.
“We also [found] that the majority of Australians believe that they will not be negatively impacted by a move towards renewables and that support for climate action by the government is on the rise.”……. https://www.sbs.com.au/news/government-failing-on-climate-change-poll
April 1, 2019
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Linear Accelerators for Radiation Market Trends Research and Projections for 2018-2026 Truth Daily Mirror NICOLE SMITH — APRIL 1, 2019 The Global Linear Accelerators for Radiation Market has witnessed continuous growth in the past few years and is projected to grow even further during the forecast period (2018-2026). The research presents a complete assessment of the market and contains Future trend, Current Growth Factors, attentive opinions, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry validated market data………https://truthdailymirror.com/linear-accelerators-for-radiation-market-trends-research-and-projections-for-2018-2026/4870/
April 1, 2019
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Echo Net Daily, March 2019, Radioactive soil will be removed from Byron Bay Public School after testing showed higher-than-normal levels during upgrade works.
According to a statement from the education department, preliminary testing of soil during early construction works for the upgrade to the school has identified ‘quantities of naturally occurring radioactive material’.
‘The department has engaged an environmental consultant to assist with the management of remediation works in consultation with the school principal, NSW Health, NSW Environmental Protection Agency and Byron Shire Council,’ the statement says.
‘The health, safety and well-being of students, staff and the school’s neighbours are the highest priority for the department.’
Works are currently being planned to remove soil from the school work site with dates and times still to be advised.
The department said said the removal of the material ‘presents no health risk to the school, and will be done after hours to minimise impact to school operations’………https://www.echo.net.au/2019/03/radiation-found-soil-byron-bay-school/
April 1, 2019
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ABC News 2 Apr 19, While some view the British parliament as a symbol of political stasis since the 2016 Brexit referendum, other Brits have utilised Westminster’s symbolic power to press — literally and figuratively — for faster action on climate change.
On Monday, members of climate change action group Extinction Rebellion stripped half-naked in the House of Common’s glass-walled public gallery during a Brexit debate, and some appeared to have glued themselves to the glass.
As MPs started yet another day of lengthy debate on how or even whether the country should leave the European Union, 14 protesters stripped to their underpants to show slogans painted on their backs, including: “Climate justice now”.
……. more acts of civil disobedience would occur in the lead up to the group’s ‘International Rebellion’ on climate change inaction slated for April 15.
In the moments afterward, numerous people took to Twitter to poke fun at a parliament that has otherwise been considered stale and mired in a prolonged Brexit debate….. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-04-02/british-protesters-bare-bottoms-in-parliament-to-protest-climate/10961468
April 1, 2019
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We drive the fully electric Hyundai Kona for a week and deliver our verdict. The post Hyundai Kona test drive: Finally, a long-range EV at half the price appeared first on RenewEconomy.
via Hyundai Kona test drive: Finally, a long-range EV at half the price — RenewEconomy
April 1, 2019
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Opinion: ¶ “Who Should Pay For Corporate Environmental Degradation?” • Judges are holding mine owners accountable for water problems they cause. Doesn’t it also make sense that what’s known as the “tragedy of the commons” should apply to fossil fuel companies and greenhouse gasses that have contaminated our atmosphere? [CleanTechnica] Science and Technology: ¶ “Ocean […]
via April 1 Energy News — geoharvey
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Where rapid structural change happens due to closures of large coal plants in regional areas, it is important to have measures in place to ease the transition. The post Bad news. Closing coal-fired power stations costs jobs. We need to prepare appeared first on RenewEconomy.
via Bad news. Closing coal-fired power stations costs jobs. We need to prepare — RenewEconomy
April 1, 2019
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Clive Palmer will promise to build a nuclear reactor in SA, United Australia Party defector claims, The Advertiser MARCH 30, 2019
Building a nuclear reactor in South Australia will be Clive Palmer’s final pitch to voters on the eve of the Federal Election, a man who was selected to represent him has told the Sunday Mail.
The bold project has been revealed by Adrian Cheok, who was selected to run as the second Senate candidate for Palmer’s United Australia Party.
Professor Cheok has quit the party, in part because he says the mining magnate is not the Donald Trump-like figure he wanted to represent.
The awarded University of Adelaide alumnus, who has specialised in human-computer interfaces, has also told the Sunday Mail:
CANDIDATES elected to parliament who then leave, or breach party rules, have to repay $250,000 as a reimbursement for the costs and expenses of the party.
TRUMP’S chief strategist Steve Bannon and Mr Palmer had a meeting to discuss political tactics.
CEASE and desist notices are used as a tactic to stop party members talking to each other about policy.
PALMER kept asking the professor to get a haircut to match a picture, taken from social media and used on party promotions, from 15 years earlier.
AGREEMENTS were made for him work as chief of staff for the party’s lead candidate, former Adelaide United soccer player Kristian Rees, for three years and then take over the Senate spot.
The party did not deny the claims when contacted by the Sunday Mail but said that Professor Cheok had resigned because he “wasn’t happy” being the number two Senate candidate.
Professor Cheok said the party’s big idea to woo South Australian voters would be something that has never been done in Australia, would require expertise from overseas and would not employ “a single worker from Salisbury”.
“He said to me that ‘one week before the election we are going to announce South Australia is going to have a nuclear reactor’,” he said.
“He said ‘it is going to win us the election in South Australia’. I think everything is related to mining in his mind.”…..
April 1, 2019
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Kim Mavromatis Fight To Stop Nuclear Waste Dump In Flinders Ranges SA, 31 Mar 19,
Everywhere in the world, spent nuclear fuel is classified as high-level nuclear waste and it will remain radioactive for eternity. After 30 yrs, spent nuclear fuel is still 10,000 times more radioactive than uranium ore and will take 10 million years to reduce to the same radioactivity as uranium ore (Canadian Nuclear Authority). Yet the Australian govnt and ANSTO classify spent nuclear fuel from Lucas Heights as intermediate-level nuclear waste. The Federal Liberal govt want to use South Australia as a dumping ground for high-level nuclear waste from Lucas Heights (and I suspect from around the world) and are using low-level nuclear waste as a smoke screen. We know how radioactive high-level nuclear waste is thanks to the Canadian Authority, but no one has told us how radioactive low-level and intermediate-level nuclear waste is? https://www.facebook.com/groups/344452605899556/
April 1, 2019
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Kazzi Jai Fight To Stop Nuclear Waste Dump In Flinders Ranges SA, 29 Mar 19,
Guess when this was written (answer at the end)…..and also is a poignant reminder of the role Nick Minchin played in all of this!
“Claims that a low-level radioactive waste dump will be the thin edge of the wedge are not “scare-mongering”, as Nick Minchin has repeatedly claimed. Numerous government reports make it clear that the proposed low-level dump could be followed by an above-ground store for long lived, intermediate-level radioactive wastes (including wastes from thereprocessing of spent fuel from the nuclear reactor in the Sydney suburb of Lucas Heights). In addition, the federal government plans to dismantle nuclear reactors at Lucas Heights and dump them in SA.
The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), which operates the Lucas Heights reactor, has said that if overseas reprocessing contracts fall through, spent fuel could be sent to SA for “extended interim storage”. In the event of reprocessing contracts falling through, the federal government might also attempt to establish a spent fuel reprocessing/conditioning plant in SA.
If the federal government succeeds in establishing a dump in SA, then Pangea Resources, the company which wants to dump high-level waste in Australia, can be expected to try its luck in SA.
James Voss, president of Pangea Resources, visited Australia in 1998. Voss offered to operate the proposed low-level waste dump.
Later that year, a leaked corporate video revealed that Pangea, with funding from British Nuclear Fuels Limited, was scheming to dump 75,000 tonnes of high-level radioactive waste in Australia. In 1999, Minchin apologised in the Senate for falsely claiming that no federal minister had met with Pangea.“…..
“The federal government asserts that the plan for a centralised waste dump and store are driven by scientific and safety considerations. The real agenda is political: moving radioactive waste away from Lucas Heights to reduce local opposition to the planned new reactor.
The proposed new reactor would generate another 1600 fuel rods, and according to ANSTO documents, annual generation of radioactive waste would increase up to 12-fold depending on the waste category.
Minchin’s mantra is that South Australians should accept the waste because they will benefit from medical radioisotopes produced. However, the lie that a new reactor is needed for medical isotope production has been exposed from an unlikely source — Dr Barry Elison, president of the Australian and New Zealand Association of Physicians in Nuclear Medicine.
Elison issued a press release in June saying a new reactor was “vital” for isotope production. Yet a month later, when asked how doctors coped during the February-May closure of the Lucas Heights reactor, Elison admitted he was not aware that it had been down!”…… The year – August 2000! An excerpt from an article by Jim Green….”South Australia says No to N-dump
April 1, 2019
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Paul Waldon Fight To Stop Nuclear Waste Dump In Flinders Ranges SA
Excerpt from Stephen Weir’s, “History’s Worst Decisions.”
The British Nuclear Legacy: The Black Mist of Maralinga.
Main Culprit: Sir Robert Menzies, PM of Australia.
Damage Done: Unknown numbers of British and Australian servicemen and aboriginal tribes died over 40 years.
Why: Last chance for the Brits to keep up their pretensions of world power-at any cost.
This is not my words but the way it went to print, yes the British casualties get top billing and the word Aboriginal was all in lower case, this maybe an oversight, or error of the author but Aboriginal land was decimated and the custodians deserve the respect that they have been void of. https://www.facebook.com/groups/344452605899556/
April 1, 2019
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Antinuclear 