Olympic Dam uranium mine jobs at risk
Workers fear lay-offs as they wait for repairs
Sydney Morning Herald BARRY FITZGERALD
October 15, 2009
There have been no lay-offs among the 3000 employees and contractors at BHP Billiton’s Olympic Dam copper, uranium and gold mine in South Australia after the loss of 80 per cent of the underground mine’s hoisting capacity.
But with speculation continuing that the Clark shaft could take up to six months to repair, fears are growing in the outback town that services the mine, Roxby Downs, that BHP could soon be forced to resort to a skeleton workforce.
BHP is still not commenting on the likely impact of the October 6 incident and will not confirm reports that the 850-metre Clark shaft was knocked out of action when a fully loaded ore skip crashed. Automated ore-loading equipment at the bottom of the shaft and winding gear – including a four-kilometre cable – on the surface were damaged………….Leading analysts have tipped that the Clark shaft could be inoperative for between two and six months. The Clark shaft accounts for about 80 per cent of the 10 million tonne-a-year mining operation. http://www.smh.com.au/business/workers-fear-layoffs-as-they-wait-for-repairs-20091014-gxic.html
Maralinga atomic test site unsafe, aborigines affected
Coober Pedy Regional Times Maralinga Anniversary October 15, 1953 – 1967 and nuclear veteran’s website is closed down. “…………..October 15 is the anniversary of the first nuclear test at Maralinga, Totem 1.– the beginning of atomic testing in Australia 1953 – 1967, and the contamination of traditional Kokatha Lands in the Western Desert of South Australia. The Action Australia page on the ANVAR website contained the details. Continue reading
Aborigines further limited in dealing with mining companies
Appeal quashing ‘will hurt indigenous’
WA Today October 15, 2009
A High Court decision to quash an appeal by indigenous people against a company run by mining billionaire Andrew Forrest will limit the rights of indigenous people to negotiate with mining companies, an Aboriginal corporation says. Continue reading
Survey: Nuclear power NOT supported by Australians
Nuclear power: ACNielsen’s survey Mumble 15 Oct 09
Here is extract from Nielsen’s report:
Nuclear Power
Respondents were told ‘The introduction of nuclear power has been suggested as one means to address climate change’ and then asked ’Do you support or oppose the Federal Government considering the introduction of nuclear power in Australia?’.
Almost one in two voters (49%) said they supported the consideration of nuclear power while 43% were opposed. Six in ten (62%) of Green voters were opposed to nuclear power while 58% of Coalition voters were in favour.
“It is important to understand two things about this question. First, it was deliberately asked in the context of addressing climate change. Second, it asked whether voters felt the government should consider nuclear power, not introduce it. Even in this context, nuclear power failed to achieve support from a majority of voters and a significant minority (43%) remain opposed” said Nielsen Research Director, John Stirton.
Thanks to AREVA, India to get Australian uranium?
Land take-over begins for 9,600 MW Maharashtra nuke plant Sify News 14 Oct 09 Work on the 9,600 MW Jaitapur nuclear power project in Maharashtra’s Ratnagiri district will kick off Thursday with the process of acquiring 938 hectares of land, a top official said here Wednesday. Continue reading
Australia says no uranium exports to India
Australia rejects uranium exports to India PRESS TV 14 Oct 2009 Australian foreign minister emphasizes Canberra’s firm stance against exporting uranium to Indian for its nuclear energy program.
Speaking in New Delhi on Tuesday, Stephen Smith said his government would not sell uranium to the Asian giant, which is energy-starved but nuclear-armed, unless it signs the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
Smith said Australia in not planning to renew a contract negotiated by the former government to sell uranium to India.
“We have had a long-standing principal position which is not aimed at India, it is the long-standing position that we do not export uranium to a country that is not a party to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty,” he said.
n January 2008, Australia’s new Labor government outlawed uranium sales to India.
BHPB sets policy for Federal govt, as well as for South Australia’s
We knew that BHP pretty much dictated the policies of the South Australian government – most clearly shown in the Roxby Downs (Indenture Ratification) Act 1982 (Indenture Act). which provides BHP Billiton the legal authority Continue reading
Eastern Australia – radioactive risk from BHP’s Olympic Dam uranium mine
Australia: Red Sky in the Morning, Radioactive Warming Political Affairs By Peter Mac 14 Oct 09 “………..there is a strong possibility that future dust storms sweeping across from South Australia will be radioactive and will carry toxic metal contaminants. Continue reading
Pro nuke hype hotting up inAustralia
Fairfax newspapers come out today with headlines about Australians wanting nuclear power. In fact, Australian were asked if they thought the Federal Government should “consider” nuclear power. Not quite the same thing as wanting it. Continue reading
Nuclear power for Australia – impractical and problematic
The Age 13 Oct 09 Is nuclear power the only way to meet Australia’s future energy needs and cut carbon emissions? Geoff Strong and Ian Munro report.
“…………….. La Trobe University professor Joseph Camilleri. ”I don’t think we have anywhere near a fully fledged, widely accepted, long-term system of waste disposal. Until and unless that comes through … to be thinking of a substantial expansion of the industry is foolhardy,” he says. Continue reading
Women 4 times less likely to favour nuclear
Women recycle and save water but men go nuclear The Age CARMEL EGAN October 11, 2009 Continue reading
BHP Billiton’s uranium mining is above the law
Olympic Dam expansion: above the law? On Line Opinion By Peter Burdon 9 October 2009 In the heart of the South Australian outback, rests the Olympic Dam mine, owned and operated by BHP Billiton. Continue reading
International Disarmament meeting will endorse “peaceful” nuclear energy
Japan – The Fourth Meeting of the International Commission on Nuclear Non-proliferation and Disarmament
“……The fourth meeting of the International Commission on Nuclear Non-proliferation and Disarmament, co-chaired by Hon. Yoriko Kawaguchi, former Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, and the Hon. Gareth Evans Continue reading
Narrow assessment will allow BHP’s uranium mine to go ahead
Public inquiry not possible on uranium mining
Perth Now
October 09, 2009
ENVIRONMENT Minister Donna Faragher has today ruled out holding a public inquiry into BHP Billiton’s proposal for a $17 billion uranium mine in WA. Continue reading
Olympic Dam – 80% out of action for 6 months?
Olympic Dam accident threatens output THE AUSTRALIAN Matt Chambers | October 09, 2009
BHP Billiton’s giant Olympic Dam underground mine could be running at just 20 per cent capacity for up to six months, analysts say, after a loaded iron skip plummeted to the bottom of the 800m-deep main shaft. Continue reading
1 This month
of the week – Australians for War Powers Reform (AWPR)
To see nuclear-related stories in greater depth and intensity
Antinuclear 