How does uranium mining in Kakadu affect the environment?

The environmental impact study for Ranger [2] identified that the significant risks from the mine would be from chemical contamination of surface and groundwater, and airborne and waterborne radionuclides.

What are some reasons against mining uranium in Kakadu?

Controversy regarding uranium mining Concern at Kakadu is that mine tailings and contaminated water may impact Aboriginal water and food supplies, with health consequences for local indigenous groups.

What risks does uranium mining pose in the Kakadu region?

destruction of traditional life. Alcohol consumption in the region is very high and poses a major threat to the health and well being of Aboriginal people in the Region.

What is the name of the uranium mine in Kakadu?

Ranger Uranium Mine
Ranger Uranium Mine

What are the impacts of uranium mining?

2.1 The impacts of uranium mining are very broad. There are impacts resulting from the end-use of uranium in energy and weapons production involving risks of radioactive leaks, emissions, melt downs, and nuclear detonations at great risk to the environment and public health.

What issues have these uranium mines had?

Impacts may include clearing of land of vegetation, disturbance of land (such as the removal of overburden and then accessing the mineral resource itself), consumption of water and the possibility of unregulated/ accidental discharge of potentially hazardous chemicals and processes.

What was the Jabiluka mine controversy?

The Jabiluka mine controversy dates back to the early 1970s when Pancontinental Mining Limited discovered high-grade uranium deposits in the Northern Territory. The Jabiluka mine lease, at present, is entirely surrounded by World Heritage Listed Kakadu National Park.

How does uranium mining affect environment?

Uranium mining facilities produce tailings that generally are disposed of in near surface impoundments close to the mine. These tailings pose serious environmental and health risks in the form of Randon emission, windblown dust dispersal and leaching of contaminants including heavy metals and arsenic into the water.

What are the environmental risks of uranium mining?

Why is uranium mining good?

One advantage uranium mining has over production methods used to retrieve fossil fuels is that plants need much less uranium to create electricity than is required if using coal, natural gas or oil. One kilogram of uranium provides the same amount of energy as about 100,000 kilos of oil or nearly 220,000 kilos of coal.

How does uranium mining affect the environment?

When was uranium found in Kakadu?

Uranium ore was found in Kakadu in 1969, and in 1980 the Ranger Uranium Mine was completed. From the very start it was shrouded in controversy, with local Aboriginal groups protesting. [citation needed] A number of studies and reports were produced through the 1970s.

What are the benefits to Australia of uranium mining in Kakadu?

The benefits to Australia of uranium mining in Kakadu are mainly economic. Australia possesses 24% of the world’s Uranium deposits, and the sale of this uranium has potential to be a huge boost for the Australian economy. From 2000-2005 nearly 50,000 tons of Uranium oxide were exported from Australia to eleven different countries.

How many uranium mines are there in Australia?

There are three operating uranium mines in Australia -Ranger in Kakadu National Park in Northern Territory; Olympic Dam in South Australia; and Beverley with Four Mile in South Australia. Ranger is situated within the perimeter of the World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park (Kakadu).

Where is Kakadu located?

It is located in the tropical north, covering over 20,000 square kilometers of land from the northern coast and estuaries, across floodplains and lowlands, to the rocky ridges on the south. The East, West, and South Alligator rivers weave across Kakadu for over 400 kilometers.