Ranger Uranium Environmental Inquiry

Ranger Uranium Environmental Inquiry (RUEI) (also known as the Fox Report) was a committee established by the Whitlam government in Australia, which sought to explore the environmental concerns surrounding uranium mining.[1][2] The Inquiry was established in 1975.[3]

Reports

The inquiry produced two major reports.[4] The first report investigated broad issues around nuclear power such as should Australia be involved in nuclear power. The report was released in October 1976.[4] It concluded that uranium mining could proceed safely if it was well regulated.[4]

The second report investigated issues surrounding the establishment of the Ranger Uranium Mine. It concluded that indigenous land rights should be upheld and that a new national park be established.[5] The national park was to be called Kakadu, with the Ranger, Jabiluka and Koongarra uranium projects deliberately excised from Kakadu.[5] The federal government approved the mine due to the report. Mining operations began in 1980 and went on to become Australia’s longest running uranium mine.[6] Recommendations were made in an effort to reduce environmental releases and the potential harmful impacts of radionuclides and heavy metals.[5]

According to the National Archives of Australia:

The Inquiry found that if uranium mining was properly regulated and controlled, its hazards were not sufficient to prevent the development of the mines. The Inquiry recommended the establishment of a comprehensive system of environmental monitoring and research, overseen by a coordinating committee representing all the agencies involved, and chaired by a supervising scientist. It also recommended the granting of Aboriginal title to a substantial part of the region and the creation of a national park.[2]

The final report of the inquiry is available in full: Ranger Uranium Environmental Inquiry final report 1977.[7]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Ranger Uranium Environmental Inquiry (1976-1977)". ATNS. Retrieved 16 February 2014.
  2. ^ a b "Uranium mining – Ranger Uranium Environmental Inquiry, 1975–77". National Archives of Australia. Retrieved 21 February 2014.
  3. ^ "Ranger Uranium Environmental Inquiry – Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser's outline of government decision". www.naa.gov.au. National Archives of Australia. Retrieved 13 September 2023.
  4. ^ a b c Phillips, Keri (14 July 2015). "The long and controversial history of uranium mining in Australia". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 13 September 2023.
  5. ^ a b c Mudd, G.M. "Uranium mining in Australia: Environmental impact, radiation releases and rehabilitation" (PDF). users.monash.edu.au. Environment Centre of the Northern Territory. Retrieved 13 September 2023.
  6. ^ "Regulating the Ranger Uranium Mine". Department of Industry, Science and Resources. Retrieved 13 September 2023.
  7. ^ Australian Government Publishing Service (1 January 1977). "Ranger Uranium Environmental Inquiry final report 1977". Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. Retrieved 5 June 2024.


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