Labrador's Inuit government is considering suspending all uranium mining and development on its territory, concerned about the dangersy of radioactive uranium mine waste. Meanwhile, a grandmother in Ontario is protesting Frotenac's proposed uranium mine in Sharbot Lake by staging a hunger strike. Lia Tarachansky writes about the growing opposition to uranium mining in Canada, particularly on Aboriginal land, and Janice Harvey conveys the concerns of people in the province of New Brunswick. The B.C. Uranium Free Coalition writes in support of the Algonquins continuing their blockade against the proposed Frontenac mine, as it draws to an end because of mounting legal fines.
Labrador Inuit considering suspension of all uranium mining and development
Tara Brautigam, THE CANADIAN PRESS
18th October 2007
ST. JOHN'S, N.L. - Labrador's Inuit government is considering suspending all uranium mining and development on its territory because of concerns over the safe disposal of the radioactive element's waste.
Nunatsiavut, an Inuit settlement in Labrador the size of New Brunswick, boasts vast deposits of the highly lucrative metal and has attracted the eye of mining companies eager to explore and develop.
But the push to drill for uranium in the region could be thwarted after the Nunatsiavut government introduced a motion last week that would implement a moratorium on uranium mining.
"The tailings disposal is a very big concern. How do you dispose of it and store it for hundreds and hundreds of years afterwards safely?" said William Barbour, Nunatsiavut's minister of land and resources, in an interview Thursday.
"None of us, including beneficiaries, have been up to now totally convinced by anyone who is an expert in the area."
Aurora Energy Resources Inc. (TSX:AXU) has proposed to mine for uranium at Michelin and Jacques Lake, two ore bodies in a heavily rocky and coniferous area about 40 kilometres southwest of Postville.
The proposal would involve the construction of an open pit and underground mine at each location. Combined, the two projects are expected to yield 97 million pounds of uranium.
John Roberts, vice-president of environment for Aurora, said the company is well aware of the Nunatsiavut government's concerns over the disposal of tailings, the fine granular waste that arises from ore development, and is willing to hear them out.
Labrador Inuit considering suspension of all uranium mining and development
Tara Brautigam, THE CANADIAN PRESS
18th October 2007
ST. JOHN'S, N.L. - Labrador's Inuit government is considering suspending all uranium mining and development on its territory because of concerns over the safe disposal of the radioactive element's waste.
Nunatsiavut, an Inuit settlement in Labrador the size of New Brunswick, boasts vast deposits of the highly lucrative metal and has attracted the eye of mining companies eager to explore and develop.
But the push to drill for uranium in the region could be thwarted after the Nunatsiavut government introduced a motion last week that would implement a moratorium on uranium mining.
"The tailings disposal is a very big concern. How do you dispose of it and store it for hundreds and hundreds of years afterwards safely?" said William Barbour, Nunatsiavut's minister of land and resources, in an interview Thursday.
"None of us, including beneficiaries, have been up to now totally convinced by anyone who is an expert in the area."
Aurora Energy Resources Inc. (TSX:AXU) has proposed to mine for uranium at Michelin and Jacques Lake, two ore bodies in a heavily rocky and coniferous area about 40 kilometres southwest of Postville.
The proposal would involve the construction of an open pit and underground mine at each location. Combined, the two projects are expected to yield 97 million pounds of uranium.
John Roberts, vice-president of environment for Aurora, said the company is well aware of the Nunatsiavut government's concerns over the disposal of tailings, the fine granular waste that arises from ore development, and is willing to hear them out.
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