Mining Watch Canada
Jan 14 2011
(Saskatoon) For the last three days MiningWatch Canada’s Canada Program Coordinator Ramsey Hart has been participating in a delegation examining the uranium mining industry in Saskatchewan. The group of thirty made stops in Regina, Saskatoon, at the Rabbit Lake Mine and at a mill in northern Saskatchewan.
The Quebec Ministry of Natural Resources and Wildlife organized the delegation. Delegates included Minister Serge Simard, ministry staff, regional and Quebec health representatives, and elected officials and staff from the North Shore and James Bay regions. The Coalition Québec Meilleure Mine (Better Mining Coalition) invited Mr. Hart to participate in the delegation as their delegate.
Uranium mining and Quebec’s continued use of nuclear power are controversial issues in the province.
With a number of groups, including the Coalition Québec Meilleure Mine, calling for a moratorium on uranium exploration.
It and other exploration projects in the North Shore, Ottawa River, Mont Laurier and Gaspé areas have met with stiff opposition.
During the visit to Saskatchewan, presentations were made by provincial government officials, a medical doctor and industry.
Delegates also had a chance to tour the Rabbit Lake Mine operated by Cameco and meet members of the local Dene community.
Furthermore, they remain concerned about protecting the area's water supply and about rising cancer rates in the community.
The doctor responsible for regional health indicated that there are more likely causes for high cancer rates, but the concern persists among some community members.
During the mine tour, delegates learned that in recent years Cameco has taken steps to substantially reduce contamination flowing into nearby Wollaston Lake.
Risks associated with uranium mining are just one of the reasons groups are seeking a moratorium on uranium mining.
Additional concerns pertain to additional risks associated with processing, managing (?) high-level nuclear waste, and the uses of uranium, such as nuclear power, nuclear arms, and depleted uranium weapons.
As the delegation leaves Saskatchewan, questions remain about the implications of uranium mining and these other issues that Quebeckers must grapple with to arrive at a decision about uranium exploration and mining.
Read more:
http://nextyearcountrynews.blogspot.com/2011/01/mining-watch-in-saskatchewan.html
