Media Release Monday 8th May 2000

BLOCKADE HALTS U.S. OWNED URANIUM MINE IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Hundreds of protesters at the US owned Beverley uranium project in South Australia have completely halted construction on site. The protesters have stopped traffic entering and leaving and have blocked work on site.

The international protesters united under the banner of International Activists against Uranium Mining (IAUM) have been at the mine site since Sunday. Over 200 people have stopped drill rig operations, filled in pipeline trenches and maintained a blockage at the mine gate for 24 hours.

IAUM has reported that numbers are growing and they will continue to maintain the shut down indefinitely. The mine, located in the Gammon (North Flinders) Ranges, is presently constructing a commercial plant since being given controversial approval by the Howard Government.

The In-situ leach (ISL) process used involves the pumping of sulphuric acid into the ground water to dissolve the uranium. The uranium is pumped to the surface, processed then waste is returned to the ground water. The use of sulphuric-based ISL is not used in the Western world with a history of contamination throughout Eastern Europe.

The company, Heathgate Resources is 100% owned by US nuclear giant General Atomics. The company would be unable to mine using this process in its home country. The federal government has given approval to the company to pollute without a requirement for the rehabilitation of ground water. The Southern Cross Resources Honeymoon ISL project, also in South Australia, is set to apply for Federal approval soon. Southern Cross is majority owned by Canadian interests. Both Honeymoon and Beverley have been operating trial plants without environmental assessment for 2 years.

"The export of profit at the cost of our environment brings no benefit to the Australian community " said Bruce Thompson, Nuclear Campaigner.

Digital still images and video footage available For further information and comment: Bruce Thompson, Nuclear Campaigner Ph: 0417 318 368

PHOTOS OF POLICE CHEMICAL WARFARE AGAINST PROTESTORS
MAY 2000

In May 2000, nonviolent protests at the Beverley mine were brutally suppressed by the SA police and special 'Star Force' paramilitaries. Click on the image above to see your tax dollars at work protecting the American nuclear industry.