Amazing story about the Mirarr Aborigines’ response to block uranium mining following the Fukushima nuclear disaster.
Full story:
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/australasia/aborigines-to-block-uranium-mining-after-japan-disaster-2267467.html
(Extracts)
Since Japan’s Fukushima nuclear plant began leaking radiation after last month’s earthquake and tsunami those watching with consternation have included the Mirarr Aboriginal people of Australia’s Northern Territory who are determined to limit uranium mining on their land despite the promise of vast riches.
The Mirarr are the traditional owners of land where uranium has been mined for more than 30 years and exported all over the world. Tepco which operates the Fukushima plant is a long-standing customer of Ranger the principal mine.
The senior traditional elder in the area Yvonne Margarula has written to the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressing her people’s sorrow about Japan’s suffering and their concern about the nuclear emergency.
“Given the long history between Japanese nuclear companies and Australian uranium miners it is likely that the radiation problems at Fukushima are at least in part being fuelled by uranium derived from our traditional lands” she said. “This makes us feel very sad.”
Ms Margarula also told Mr Ban that events in Japan had strengthened the Mirarr’s resolve to oppose work at a second mine named Jabiluka – the world’s largest known undeveloped uranium deposit. Instead they want to see Jabiluka incorporated into Kakadu the World Heritage-listed national park where Ranger is also located.
Although the traditional owners have received royalties of more than A$200m (£129m) from Ranger Ms Margarula told a parliamentary inquiry in 2005 that mining had “completely upturned our lives bringing greater access to alcohol and many arguments between Aboriginal people mainly about money”.
She added: “Uranium mining has also taken our country away from us and destroyed it – billabongs and creeks gone for ever. There are hills of poisonous rock and great holes in the ground with poisonous mud.”
Although the 70 landowners would reap billions in royalties if Jabiluka went into operation placing them among the ranks of Australia’s richest people they want the site protected for ever. They have held a veto over its development since 2005.