November 29, 2001

Solar Not Nuclear Honeymoon

As the World Solar Congress meets in Adelaide, environment groups will target developers of the Honeymoon uranium mine that recently gained Federal approval. Friends of the Earth has hit out at the Federal Government's failure to support appropriate development while facilitating out-dated nuclear technology. The protests coincide with the Annual General Meeting of Sedimentary Holdings, partner company of Southern Cross Resources in the Honeymoon project.

"The Federal government is failing to deliver a vision for Australia¹s energy industry," said FoE Nuclear Campaigner Loretta O'Brien. "Australia should be a leader in smart, clean technologies, not pushing out dated, dirty industries."

"Why bother with technology of the past when a bright new solar future beckons" said FoE Adelaide spokesperson Roman Orszanski

The Honeymoon project, in north-east South Australia, uses the insitu leach (ISL) method which involves pumping sulphuric acid into groundwater to dissolve uranium. Liquid is then pumped to the surface to be processed with radioactive wastes and heavy metals pumped back into groundwater.

"The Honeymoon project was halted in 1982 due to concerns over groundwater contamination and public opposition to the nuclear industry. Both issues remain unchanged yet we now have a government willing to override these concerns," said Bruce Thompson, Nuclear Campaigner

Friends of the Earth will release information that challenges the validity of environmental assessment next week.

For more information contact:

Bruce Thompson
Nuclear Campaigner
Mob: 0417 318 368

Loretta O¹Brien
Nuclear Campaigner
Mob: 0418 178 053

Adelaide ­
Roman Orszanski
Ph: (08) 8333 8429