BHP Billiton - Told to Stop Toxic Trade on World Water Day 2008.
water use of operations at BHP Billiton's Olympic Dam uranium mine in South
Australia for World Water Day this week.
Today's protest outside the company's headquarters in Melbourne is part of
international events for World Water Day.
"It's not right that whilst Australians are doing their best to save and
recycle water, BHP Billiton are pouring our precious water resources down
the drain" said Friends of the Earth nuclear campaigner Michaela Stubbs.
"It's pointless having short showers whilst BHP Billiton have the tap
running full bore 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at their Olympic Dam uranium
mine."
"Olympic Dam currently consumes over thirty three million litres of Great
Artesian Basin water every day and the company doesn't pay a single cent for
it" said Friends of the Earth nuclear campaigner Michaela Stubbs. "This
finite, precious and public resource - and the environment that depends on
it - is under enormous pressure and threat."
"BHP Billiton should also be forced to pay for the water it uses. It is
unacceptable that the company pays nothing for its massive water take
despite its record $17 billion profit in 2006-07."
The fragile and unique Mound Springs fed by the Great Artesian Basin water
are a source of life in this semi arid region but now they are drying up.
"Water used by the Olympic Dam uranium mine is destined to become nuclear
waste in Australia and fuels a water wasting industry around the world" said
Michaela Stubbs. "Pushing for more uranium production and increased water
use is not sustainable, sensible or safe."
More from Down Under courtesy of Dr Jim Green of Friends of the Earth:
Address
Bridge 5 Mill - 22a Beswick Street - Ancoats - Manchester (UK) - M4 7HR
Telephone: +44 (0)161 273 8293 / 8283 - Fax: +44 (0)161 273 8293
email: info@bandepleteduranium.org