Calvert in Saskatchewan said in an interview a few months ago he didn't like uranium. Uranium is the most valuable export from Saskatchewan. I wonder what would happen in Alberta if the Premier said he didn't like oil.
Calvert is right. He has problems in his own backyard and is doubtless better informed than we are.
Given the abysmal track record of the Uranium mining industry in Canada, we have large areas and even populations at risk due to tailings and industrial sites not cleaned up. Some very, very, nasty sites out there in various provinces and territories.
Including in Saskatechwan.
gov.sk.ca
New report shows abandoned uranium mines a concern in northern Saskatchewan
A 170-page report on abandoned mines in northern Saskatchewan, released by the province on Sep. 24, 2002, states that many of the sites pose "severe public safety hazards and possible long-term environmental concerns."
The report says "unconfined tailings deposits" from the abandoned Gunnar uranium mine, amounting to 4.4-million tonnes, have made their way into Lake Athabasca since the operation was shut down in 1964.
The report entitled 'An Assessment of Abandoned Mines in Northern Saskatchewan', also raises serious concerns about the Lorado Mill site, about eight kilometres south of Uranium City. The mill was used to treat uranium ore from the Lorado mine and smaller satellite mines in the region. It says tailings at the site, which cover an area of about 14 hectares, are leaching into two nearby lakes. A 1976 study showed that discharges of waste into Nero Lake had severely affected water quality. (Canadian Press, September 24, 2002)
Search for owners of abandoned uranium mines near Uranium City complete
� The Federal Government has completed its search for the owners of 39 abandoned uranium mines near Uranium City in Saskatchewan. Experts say it will cost at least 25 million dollars to clean up the sites, but Natural Resources Canada won't say if it has found any corporations with links to the abandoned mines. Ottawa and the province say they're talking about who will pay for the restoration of the land, meanwhile. (CP April 25,�2002)
nuclearsafety.gc.ca
ceaa-acee.gc.ca
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