Toro Energy‘s WA Uranium Mine Receives Stricter Environmental Conditions
Western Australia's first uranium mine project, five years after a ban was lifted that constricted uranium mining in the area, has received new and stricter environmental conditions from an independent appeals committee.
On Wednesday, WA environment minister Bill Marmion said an independent committee, based on 21 grounds of appeal, had recommended several changes to the draft conditions that WA's Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) granted in May to Australian uranium project developer and explorer Toro Energy Limited, owner of the currently highly controversial Wiluna uranium mine.
The said new and stricter environmental conditions, according to Mr Marmion, targets to strengthen the protection of stygofauna and groundwater dependent vegetation, as well as better address surface water flows, dust management and rehabilitation around the area.
"I am satisfied the appeals committee has carefully considered all the matters raised in the appeals and have accepted their recommendations," Mr Marmion said in a statement.
"My next step is to consult with decision-making authorities and other agencies, including the ministers for mines and petroleum and indigenous affairs; and the Radiological Council, which assists the minister for health, on whether they agree that this proposed uranium mine should proceed and, if so, what conditions will be set."
Uranium is what is used to fuel nuclear reactors. Global sentiment on the use and safety of nuclear reactors as a main energy source has been on the negative after the catastrophic meltdown of Japan's Fukushima nuclear reactors in 2011, triggered by the magnitude 9.0 earthquake and tsunami that hit the country in March.
Adelaide-based Toro Energy, Wiluna uranium mine owner, has until the first half of 2013 to decide whether to proceed developing the project.
Controlled 39 per cent by OZ Minerals, Toro Energy plans to start the construction and commissioning through 2013, with first sales expected in 2014. Toro Energy forecasts a 1,200-tonne a year uranium oxide production from Wiluna. Its projected mine lifespan is up to 14 years.