urg:::Senate Inquiry Bits

[Gavin Mudd]

Greens welcome mining inquiry

21jun02


GREEN groups have welcomed a Senate inquiry into the country's uranium
mines, including Beverley and Honeymoon in South Australia.

The inquiry, moved by the ALP in Federal Parliament, follows a series of
spills and incidents at mines.

"There is a clear and urgent need for an independent and comprehensive
examination of this industry and these mines and this Senate inquiry is an
important step in this process," Friends of the Earth nuclear campaigner
Bruce Thompson said.

"Uranium mines around the country have been leaking contaminates and
credibility," Australian Conservation Foundation's Dave Sweeney said.

The Senate voted yesterday to support the inquiry which will focus on
regulation, monitoring and reporting at Beverley and Honeymoon and Ranger
and Jabiluka mines in the Northern Territory.

Beverley mine operator Heathgate Resources vice-president Stephen Middleton
said yesterday uranium mining was already one of the most "scrutinised
industries in Australia".


© News Limited 2002 - www.theadvertiser.news.com.au

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Fri, Jun 21 2002 3:29 PM AEST

Honeymoon mine developers welcome uranium probe


It is claimed plans for a Senate inquiry into uranium mining regulation in
South Australia and the Northern Territory is a reflection on government
processes not mine operators.

The developers of the Honeymoon uranium mine in South Australia's far
north-east say they welcome the inquiry.

Tom Hunter from Southern Cross Resources says his organisation has always
been transparent with reporting spills during the mine's trial period.

"The South Australian Government has appointed someone to investigate the
reporting by government of the information that is given to them by the
industry," he said.

"There has been no suggestion that the industry is not reporting, as its
required to do. I think the main point has been how government agencies and
politicians choose to use that information."


© 2002 Australian Broadcasting Corporation

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Posted :Thu, 20 Jun 2002 14:12 AEST

NT Environment Centre backs Senate uranium inquiry


The Northern Territory Environment Centre says a Senate inquiry into uranium
mining will differ to others because it will focus on the regulation of
mining activities.

The Opposition asked for the inquiry after raising concerns about incidents
at Ranger in the Northern Territory and Beverley in South Australia.

The centre's Mark Wakeham says he is confident that the review will get to
the bottom of why a series of leaks have occurred in recent years.

"We think a clear spotlight on the regulatory systems around uranium mining
will highlight a number of deficiencies and hopefully will be able to
address those deficiencies through the inquiry," Mr Wakeham said.


© 2002 Australian Broadcasting Corporation

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Posted :Thu, 20 Jun 2002 11:04 AEST

Senate urged to investigate uranium mining


Moves will be made in the Senate today to instigate another inquiry into
uranium mining in Australia.

The Shadow Minister for the Environment, Kelvin Thomson, says the terms of
references will look at the effectiveness of existing monitoring regulations
and the adequacy of the Commonwealth agencies involved.

"The incidents which have occurred in recent times at Ranger and at the
Beverly mine in South Australia are addressed and that we do have public
confidence that the highest possible standards of safety and enviro
protection are in place at these mines," he said.


© 2002 Australian Broadcasting Corporation