Report on Uranium Mining and Milling in Australia

Parliament of Australia: Senate: Committee: Report on Uranium Mining and Milling in Australia:

"Occupational health and safety is a prime concern in uranium mining, milling and processing. However, aside from the long term radiation hazard, the occupational risks to health and safety are similar to those in other open cut and underground hard rock mining and mineral processing operations, and with proper control can be managed to achieve an acceptably low risk, at least no higher than in otherwise comparable mining operations. Ranger and Olympic Dam, while appearing to be generally well run operations, showed a few areas where improvements could be made."

This repaort was written in 1997. Technology and techniques have changed considerably since then, so a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing. What are the advantages and disadvantages of open cut mining?


Hunter Health