Radiation fear for Australian uranium mine workers

State and Federal Government officials are investigating an environmental proposal released this week by one of the world's biggest uranium companies to begin open-pit uranium mining upwind of an existing copper mine camp. Cameco's Kintyre Uranium Project report details risks to mine workers from radiation exposure, the potential for groundwater contamination and the spread of radioactive dust and its potential to endanger flora and fauna. Also at issue is the water, equivalent to two Olympic-sized pools - to operate the mine. Perth Now Sunday Times.

Areva employee on NAS uranium mining panel

The National Academy of Sciences has now chosen panelists for a study which will be used by the Virginia General Assembly to determine whether uranium mining should be permitted in the state. Concerned citizens asked for the removal of an Areva employee, but their request was denied. Areva runs uranium mines in Niger and, therefore, has a vested interest in uranium mining expansion.

The first meeting to vet the conflicts of interest of the panelists was on October 26-27, 2010. The second meeting will take place November 15 and 16. There will be another meeting in the Virginia target community December 13-15. Some sessions are closed. For meeting information and updates, go here.

Future meetings are planned for Saskatchewan and Colorado, specific places to be determined. While this study claims to be assessing just uranium mining in Virginia, citizens fear the results of this study could be used for other potential uranium mining sites.