AUSTRALIAN URANIUM IN JAPANESE NUKE DISASTER? Via NY Transfer News Collective * All the News that Doesn't Fit ............................................................... source - nonukes@foesyd.org.au Fri Oct 1 01:38:36 1999 Media Release 1st October 1999 Attention Chiefs of Staff & Environment Reporters AUSTRALIAN URANIUM LIKELY INVOLVED IN WORSE-EVER JAPANESE NUKE ACCIDENT Environment organisation Friends of the Earth, Australia called on the Australian government to suspend sales of uranium to Japan until that Japan's worst ever nuclear accident at the Tokaimura uranium enrichment plant underscores the fact that the nuclear industry poses a serious threat to public health and the environment. Japan is one of Australia's major uranium customers. They source uranium from the Ranger uranium mine in Kakadu National Park. 40% of sales by uranium mining company Energy Resources of Australia are to Kansai Kyushu Shikoku Electric Power Company. "It is clear that the Japanese authorities cannot guarantee the safety of their nuclear facilities," commented Daniel Voronoff, FoE Melbourne nuclear spokesperson. "Australia has a moral obligation to ensure that our uranium won't end up poisoning Japanese citizens, because of poor safety standards," added Mr. Voronoff. "We call on the Federal government to suspend uranium sales to Japan until a complete review of safety has taken place," stated Mr. Voronoff. Reports clearly point to a criticality accident. "A criticality accident is the worst form of nuclear accident that can happen," commented John Hallam, FoE Sydney nuclear spokesperson. "This is not just a radioactive leak or spill. The Tokaimura accident would arise from a fundamental technical oversight," added Mr. Hallam. FoE notes that there has been vigorous and wide spread opposition to the nuclear industry in Japan. Recent local elections and referenda all show community concern over the health and environmental risks associated with the nuclear industry. Tokaimura was the site of a radioactive waste fire in 1997. The waste processing facility caught fire because high-level wastes caused their encasement material to ignite. On this occasion there was a significant release of radioactive material into the environment. For further comment contact Daniel Voronoff on 0418 178 053 Or John Hallam on 02 9517 3903 ================================================================= NY Transfer News Collective * A Service of Blythe Systems Since 1985 - Information for the Rest of Us 339 Lafayette St., New York, NY 10012 http://www.blythe.org e-mail: nyt@blythe.org ================================================================= nytas-10.01.99-16:07:00-24770