Mining | Oil | Gas | | WA Govt denies uranium exploration lead to increased radiation

WA Govt denies uranium exploration lead to increased radiation

alt

Greens claims rebuked

The Western Australian Government is rebuking claims by the Greens that uranium exploration in the 1970s had contaminated an area.

A radiological survey at Lake Way near Wiluna indicates claims by Greens MLC Robin Chapple that the site was not adequately rehabilitated after uranium exploration in the 1970s may not be accurate.

Mines and Petroleum Minister Norman Moore said a survey was carried out by a qualified radiation safety officer and revealed readings came from naturally occurring sources.

“The survey found background radiation levels consistent with an area known to have naturally occurring near-surface and outcroppings of uranium ore,” Mr Moore said.

“Further, the survey results indicate that background radiation levels at one metre above ground level - which is the recognised height to take such readings - did not exceed approximately one microSieverts per hour. Readings at most sites were less than 0.5 microsieverts per hour."

Mr Moore said typical background readings in the Perth hills would be around 0.6 microSieverts per hour because of granite in the area.

“The levels can be compared with activities such as air travel, where exposures in the order of one to five microSieverts per hour are common, depending on the altitude reached.

“Photos of Mr Chapple published on one of the news websites clearly show him taking readings at the surface directly from a rock that appears to be uranium ore. I am advised that this is not the right way to take radiation readings."

The Minister said Mr Chapple and other Greens had made similar claims about the area in 2000 which lead to rehabilitation to meet the standards of Radiological Council and the State Mining Engineer.