October 7 2014
The West Australian government has attempted to sidestep proper environmental assessment for two new uranium mines at Wiluna by releasing the proposal as an extension of the existing Wiluna Uranium Project, according to Greens Member for the Mining and Pastoral Region Robin Chapple MLC.
Mr Chapple said Toro’s existing conditional approval should be revoked as this extension, which spans a much larger area between Wiluna and Lake Maitland than the original proposal, more than warrants the necessity for a new environmental study to be undertaken.
“The environmental assessment that has been done so far is inadequate for the four mines they are now proposing,” he said.
“The area in question covers two lake systems, where Toro plans not only to mine, but to dump toxic uranium waste in the lake bed.
“Furthermore, Toro Energy has not properly consulted the Traditional Owners for the Lake Maitland area who have significant, and warranted, concerns about the proposed mine’s impact on their lands and culture.
“This proposal and Wiluna’s existing conditional approval should both be rejected on environmental grounds.”
For more information please contact Robin Chapple on 0409 379 263 or 9486 8255
