Can uranium mines be operated safely?
Yes, for the following reasons: • Health, safety and environmental standards have improved considerably since the early days of uranium mining in Australia and are now of an international standard. • Radiation workers are continually monitored for radiation exposure. • The workers wear high-grade personal protective equipment which includes dust monitors and radiation badges. • Stringent State and Commonwealth legislation and regulations apply to the mining, milling, operation and transportation of radioactive materials. • Mine sites are monitored for radiation levels, the yellowcake is securely stored, and the environment is continually monitored. • Inspectors from the Department of Mines and Petroleum’s Resources Safety Division regularly assess data collected from onsite Radiation Safety Officers as well as making their own onsite inspections. • Radiation Safety Officers, who have must have a science degree, are employed on site to monitor workers’ radiation exposure as well as regu
