A parliamentary question investigates the potential use of depleted uranium in unconventional gas extraction in WA and the awareness/safety measures surrounding it. The response denies the use of depleted uranium.

AnsweredQoN 3308Legislative Council
Asked
11 August 2015
Portfolio
Mines and Petroleum

QuestionView source ↗

I refer to depleted uranium
charges being used to perforate the casing and cement of horizontal wells
during the extraction of unconventional gas, and ask: (a) are workers being
made aware that they are handling depleted uranium; (b) if yes to (a), how are they being made aware; (c) if no to (a), why not; (d) please provide details of what health and safety measures are being taken; (e) if none to (d), why not; (f) in the event that depleted uranium explosives are being used, are workers being made aware that the waste water contains depleted uranium; (g) if yes to (f), how; (h) if no to (f), why not; (i) are there signs warning people about radioactive waste near produced water holding ponds; and (j) if no to (i), why not?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
15 September 2015
Responded by
Minister for Agriculture and Food representing the Minister for Mines and Petroleum
Response time
35 days
The Department of Mines and Petroleum advises:
(a)
No
(b)
Not applicable
(c)
Depleted uranium charges are not being used to perforate casing and cement in Western Australia.
(d)
Not applicable
(e)
Refer to (c)
(f)
Refer to (c)
(g)
Not applicable
(h)
Refer to (c)
(i)
No
(j)
Refer to (c)

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