Last minute approval to Uranium mine project in Australia landed into controversy

The Morrison Government has found itself caught in a controversy after it approved the uranium mine one day before calling the federal election. The Yeelirrie Uranium mine, in Western Australia, requires both federal and state approval. The state approval is being fought in the state’s Supreme Court by members of the Tijwari traditional owners.

Cameco, a Canadian company which is also the world’s largest uranium producer, is seeking to develop the uranium mine; this would cover an area 9km long and 1.5km wide. Sources say this would involve the clearing of up to 2,422 hectares of native vegetation. This will also cause the groundwater levels to drop by 50 centimeters and would not completely recover for 200 years. A spokesperson of the Environment Ministry said the approval was subject to 32 strict conditions to avoid and mitigate potential environmental impacts. The spokesperson defended the timing of the approval. “As required, the department has since conducted its review of the approval documentation before posting the notification in line with normal practice and in accordance with the requirements of the Act.” Traditional owner of the area, Tijwari woman Vicky Abdullah said she was surprised by the announcement as she was hoping for the project to be rejected. The General Manager of Cameco Australia, Simon Williamson applauded the government’s approval. He said its quite appropriate for the Minister to sign off on projects before going into the elections.

The former Liberal Barnett government had also controversially approved the mine in 2017, weeks before it lost the Western Australia election. Cameco Australia expects to produce 7,500 tonnes of yellow cake concentrate over a 15-year period.