❓ Hon Robin Chapple questions the lack of radiation monitoring at uranium exploration sites and the Minister's assurance of safety. The Minister responds that monitoring occurs during exploration and rehabilitation, and future mining will be subject to environmental conditions and closure plans.
AnsweredQoN 3628Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to part three of question on notice No. 2673 of 21 September 2010, and ask -
(1) Whilst there is no statutory requirement to do so, why has there been no monitoring of the radiation associated with ore or waste from previous uranium exploration, dating back as far as the 1960’s?
(2) If there is no monitoring of radiation, how can the Minister say that there is no demonstrable health hazard associated with material, left at sites where exploration for uranium once took place?
(3) Will the Minister ensure that all exploration sites and proposed mines, will be monitored for the duration of the half life of any disturbed or extracted radioactive material, that remains on site?
(4) If no to (3), how will the Minister guarantee the safety of future generations that may come into contact with these sites?
(1) Whilst there is no statutory requirement to do so, why has there been no monitoring of the radiation associated with ore or waste from previous uranium exploration, dating back as far as the 1960’s?
(2) If there is no monitoring of radiation, how can the Minister say that there is no demonstrable health hazard associated with material, left at sites where exploration for uranium once took place?
(3) Will the Minister ensure that all exploration sites and proposed mines, will be monitored for the duration of the half life of any disturbed or extracted radioactive material, that remains on site?
(4) If no to (3), how will the Minister guarantee the safety of future generations that may come into contact with these sites?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
6 April 2011
Responded by
Minister for Mines and Petroleum
Response time
22 days
(1)
I am advised that uranium exploration activities do not refine any drill core and ore samples on site
. The ore remains in much the same form as when removed from the ground. On completion of an exploration programme, the sites are rehabilitated and final radiation surveys completed. There is no need for further on-going monitoring.
(2) I am advised that the uranium bearing ores found in Western Australia emit very low levels of radiation which are not considered a health hazard to the public in the areas where it is found.
(3) Exploration for and any future mining of uranium will be conducted safely and in accordance with environmental conditions. Any future uranium mine would be required to prepare a closure plan as part of the approval process. The requirements for inspections and monitoring intervals at long term rehabilitation sites, if any, will be determined at the appropriate time by the State mining engineer after consultation with the Radiological Council.
(4) Not applicable
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I am advised that uranium exploration activities do not refine any drill core and ore samples on site
. The ore remains in much the same form as when removed from the ground. On completion of an exploration programme, the sites are rehabilitated and final radiation surveys completed. There is no need for further on-going monitoring.
(2) I am advised that the uranium bearing ores found in Western Australia emit very low levels of radiation which are not considered a health hazard to the public in the areas where it is found.
(3) Exploration for and any future mining of uranium will be conducted safely and in accordance with environmental conditions. Any future uranium mine would be required to prepare a closure plan as part of the approval process. The requirements for inspections and monitoring intervals at long term rehabilitation sites, if any, will be determined at the appropriate time by the State mining engineer after consultation with the Radiological Council.
(4) Not applicable
Notice: This document is created or edited using unregistered or evaluation copy of rtLib valid for testing or development purposes only. To use it for productive or any other purposes please register it. You may purchase the license on
http://www.rtlib.com
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