Nolans Bore project – a threat to Darwin Harbour
Wednesday, 17 October, 2007
Environment Centre of the Northern Territory
“The first question is, ‘what will the company be doing with the tailings left after the minerals are extracted?’”, ECNT Beyond Nuclear Initiative uranium campaigner Emma King said.
"The company state that they will be separating out the ore components in acid leach tanks – but they have said nothing about how they will dispose of the contaminated waste from this process.
“Most mines leave behind huge tailings dams full of waste, which often leach pollutants into surrounding ground water. Mining at Nolans Bore and processing in Darwin would mean that two areas of the NT could be contaminated by this project"
“With a level of uranium of approximately 0.02% tonne (Roxby Downs Mine in SA has a similar grade) waste products from processing the ore are inevitably going to contain radioactive elements, including the radioactive gas radon, as well as heavy metals and processing solvents such as sulphuric acid and caustic soda.
“With the NT Government proposing to rezone Middle Arm as an industrial area, would the proposed processing plant and associated tailings storage be located there - in a storm surge zone and upwind from residential areas?
“A processing plant located in Darwin Harbour raises grave concerns about the effect such a development could have on the health of Darwin Harbour and the Darwin public.
“This project is still subject to environmental and other assessments by both NT and Federal governments – there is no guarantee that it will go ahead.
“ECNT will be monitoring this proposal and ensuring that the Darwin public are fully informed and consulted.”