A WA parliamentary question investigates alleged uranium transportation by BHP Billiton and seeks information on regulations, reporting, and community consultation. The Minister denies the transportation occurred and clarifies regulatory responsibilities.

AnsweredQoN 3623Legislative Council
Asked
15 March 2011
Portfolio
Mines and Petroleum

QuestionView source ↗

(1) Is it correct that BHP Billiton or a subsidiary corporation thereof has conducted a trial transportation of uranium product from Western Australia to South Australia?
(2) If yes to (1), -
(a) how many times has this been done and on what dates;
(b) what quantity of uranium was transported;
(c) what was the route taken by the shipment;
(d) did the shipment pass through Kalgoorlie or its environs;
(e) from where was the uranium sourced;
(f) what was the ultimate destination of the uranium; and
(g) was the uranium sold for export having been transported to South Australia?
(3) What regulations cover the transportation of uranium in Western Australia and what are the reporting requirements for the Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP) under these regulations?
(4) What requirements are there with regards to consultation with stakeholders and communities along a shipment route where radioactive materials are involved?
(5) Will the Minister table all reports by the DMP relating to any transportation of uranium in 2010-2011?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
6 April 2011
Responded by
Minister for Mines and Petroleum
Response time
22 days
(1) No
(2) Not applicable
(3) The transport of all radioactive substances is regulated under the Radiation Safety (Transport of Radioactive Substances) Regulations 2002 which is administered by the Radiological Council, which in turn reports to the Minister for Health.
(4) Whilst there are no requirements for consultation with stakeholders and communities along a route where radioactive materials are transported, the Government will ensure that appropriate consultation does take place.
(5) The Department of Mines and Petroleum has not prepared any reports relating to uranium transportation in 2010-11.
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