Rann Drives Mining Without a License

On Saturday morning (July 19) Friends of the Earth Campaigners will demonstrate opposition to the latest uranium operation making its way through the government approval process. Curnamona Energy’s Oban deposit is located in
the heart of the outback and places precious groundwater systems in danger. The enterprise also shows contempt for the Government’s expressed commitment to the ‘strictest environmental standards’ for mining ventures.

Friends of the Earth Spokesperson Peter Burdon explains “under South Australian law, companies such as Curnamona Energy are able to mine uranium as a ‘trial’ mine, without carrying out an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Without a proper EIS process local people cannot make informed decisions or have proper awareness of likely risks associated with the venture.”

The mining process proposed for Oban involves acid insitu-leaching (ISL) which involves injecting sulphuric acid into groundwater to dissolve uranium. The solution is then brought back to the surface, processed and the waste is dumped back into the groundwater. “In the face of record industry profits, this practice has no place within civil society” Mr Burdon said.

Friends of the Earth campaigners will be establishing a ‘mock trial mine’ at the intersection of Rundle Mall and Gawler Place on Saturday from 10:30am. Friends of the Earth Spokesperson Kathy Whitta said “In the coming weeks, Curnamona will lodge their Mining and Rehabilitation Plan and we call upon the Rann government to uphold the principles of due process and environmental protection they so often expound. An operation which threatens our groundwater and ignores basic due process falls drastically short of this measure.”


For further comment

Peter Burdon 0439 294 386
Kathy Whitta 0408 101 939