Uranium transiting through New Zealand ports will only be used for "peaceful purposes", says the Environment Minister, despite one of the firms getting the material being involved in making nuclear weapons. Energy Resources has been granted authorization to ship Australian yellowcake uranium ore through New Zealand. The destination of the uranium is listed as Honeywell's plant in Metropolis, Illinois.That plant enriches unrefined uranium for nuclear fuel and electric power stations. A byproduct of the process is exhausted uranium, which has uses ranging from medical equipment to weapons and armour. oneywell told TV3 this week that all of its processed uranium was used in the manufacture of nuclear power for civilian use and there was no military usage.
However, the US Environmental security Agency lists two Honeywell plants as "depleted uranium manufacturing and testing facilities". A new Honeywell nuclear weapon parts place is being built in Kansas City, reports the Kansas Star. Environment Minister Nick Smith told Parliament last night during question time that he has had assurances from the Australian Government that shipping companies must meet harsh criteria before shipping uranium.
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