Aborigines to block uranium mining after Japan disaster

[FourScore]

Aborigines to block uranium mining after Japan disaster
By Kathy Marks in Sydney
Thursday, 14 April 2011



...The Mirarr are the traditional owners of land where uranium has been mined for more than 30 years and exported all over the world. Tepco, which operates the Fukushima plant, is a long-standing customer of Ranger, the principal mine.

The senior traditional elder in the area, Yvonne Margarula, has written to the UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, expressing her people's sorrow about Japan's suffering, and their concern about the nuclear emergency.

"Given the long history between Japanese nuclear companies and Australian uranium miners, it is likely that the radiation problems at Fukushima are, at least in part, being fuelled by uranium derived from our traditional lands," she said. "This makes us feel very sad."

Ms Margarula also told Mr Ban that events in Japan had strengthened the Mirarr's resolve to oppose work at a second mine, named Jabiluka – the world's largest known undeveloped uranium deposit. Instead, they want to see Jabiluka incorporated into Kakadu, the World Heritage-listed national park where Ranger is also located...

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/australasia/aborigines-to-block-uranium-mining-after-japan-disaster-2267467.html

[Duer 157099]

1. Is "traditional owners" a euphemism for

people who are soon to be former owners? :shrug:

[Esra Star]

4. The aborigines did not have a concept of land ownership

per se. To integrate with white man's law, they have had to develop a concept of ownership.
It's quite complicated, but it's better than nothing.
They are not in a position to blanket ban mining, but arguments are listened to and compromises are found.
Obviously you can't please all the people all the time.

[The Backlash Cometh]

2. Sounds like they're taking the car keys away from the drunk.

[Mnemosyne]

3. Thank you, Mirarr elders. I agree with Backlash's statement. K&R n/t

[classysassy]

5. " Where ever the European trod the native people were sure to suffer "

The quote I remember can't remember who said it,will some one refresh my memory.Thanks.