THE AUSTRALIAN Greens have accused the Western Australian Government of a attempting to cover-up the dangers of the uranium industry.
The group claims its data shows it is highly risky to transport uranium around the state, as planned by the many companies that already have mining licences covering WA uranium ore bodies.
Australian Transport Safety Bureau, WA experiences on average more than 35 train derailments and collisions per year.
Similarly, statistics from the Federal Department of Infrastructure and Transport show that the annual average number of rigid and articulated truck accidents in WA tops 2000.
The group claims even if the number of train and truck accidents can be reduced, the risk of radioactive yellowcake powder escaping during a crash and being ingested by people is too high. Both the product and the tailings from uranium mines remain radioactive for hundreds of years. If people ingest radon gas or dust, they face increased risk of cancer and other illnesses later in life.
Add a comment