Uranium News: December 15, 2009
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Steev Morgan
Dec 16, 2009, 10:34:29 AM12/16/09
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URANIUM NEWS
DECEMBER 15, 2009
IN THIS ISSUE:
1) PROPOSED COMMUNITY PROJECT
2) ARTICLE: QUEBEC UNMOVED IN STANDOFF WITH DOCTORS
3) ARTICLE: SEPT-ILES RESIDENTS WANT QUEBEC TO HALT URANIUM MINING
4) PRESS RELEASE: ONTARIO RESOLVES LITIGATION DISPUTE OVER BIG TROUT LAKE PROPERTY
5) ARTICLE: MINING COMPANY SURRENDERS CLAIM TO NATIVE LAND IN $5-MILLION SETTLEMENT, OPENING ONTARIO'S FAR NORTH
6) ARTICLE: BOY'S DREAM TO BUILD WINDWILL TRANSFORMS LIVES IN MALAWI
7) PRESS RELEASE: A "FREE FOR ALL" AS MINING CLAIMS MORE THAN DOUBLE IN CARBON-RICH ECOSYSTEMS
------------------------------
1) PROPOSED COMMUNITY PROJECT
Hello everyone,
You are invited to participate in the creation of a book inspired by the CCAMU struggle against uranium exploration and mining.
The manuscript of the story is posted at http://kidzlitcobhouse.blogspot.com/2009/06/baby-princess-dragonfly.html
Editing, illustrating, proof-reading and pre-print design & formatting are some of the work ahead of us.
Just the way we produce our flyers and distribute them, the purpose of this children's book in the making is to convey a message important to our community in an accessible way. Copies would be donated to the public library and a local school in our respective regions. It would further be accessible through the CCAMU website with the raised money looping back to the community struggle against uranium exploration and mining.
This is a grassroots endeavor of communal creation meant to support the struggle against nuclear mining (power and weapons). This children's book's purpose is to share our knowledge with the audience that our fliers may not necessarily reach. People of all ages and skills are welcome to participate. The book will be what we collectively make it to be.
The first step is to email to kidzlit...@gmail.com stating what aspect of the work you would like to be involved in. Also please free to contact kidzlitcobhouse with any suggestions or questions that you may have.
Sincerely,
Ivona
-------------------
2) ARTICLE: QUEBEC UNMOVED IN STANDOFF WITH DOCTORS
Physicians in North Shore town say they'll leave if province doesn't start moratorium on nearby uranium exploration
December 05, 2009
By: Rheal Seguin
Globe and Mail
"The Quebec government is resisting calls for a moratorium on the development of uranium deposits in the province despite threats by doctors in Sept-ÃŽles to quit over plans to open a mine near the town."
To read the rest of this article go to,
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/quebec-unmoved-in-standoff-with-doctors/article1389964/
-------------------
3) ARTICLE: SEPT-ILES RESIDENTS WANT QUEBEC TO HALT URANIUM MINING
The province's head of public health, Dr. Alain Poirier, met with the doctors last week. Poirier later announced Quebec would create a special committee to study the potential risks of uranium exploration and mining on health and safety.
December 13, 2009
The Canadian Press
"MONTREAL - Sept-Iles residents continue to pressure Quebec to slap a moratorium on uranium exploration in the province, despite the government's promise to open a debate on health and safety concerns surrounding the industry.
Some 1,000 protesters gathered Sunday in the town about 900 kilometres northwest of Montreal on the North Shore.
They were backing 20 doctors who threatened to quit their practice in the remote Quebec region because of plans to build a uranium mine nearby."
To read the rest of this article go to,
http://www.metronews.ca/edmonton/canada/article/396193--sept-iles-residents-maintain-pressure-on-quebec-to-halt-uranium-mining
-------------------------------
4) PRESS RELEASE: ONTARIO RESOLVES LITIGATION DISPUTE OVER BIG TROUT LAKE PROPERTY
McGuinty Government Reaches Agreement That Balances Company And Community Interests
December 14, 2009
"Ontario has reached an agreement to settle litigation with Platinex Inc. that will provide greater certainty to the company and allow the Province to continue to build its relationship with
Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI) a First Nations community.
The Province of Ontario and Platinex Inc. have entered into an agreement to resolve the company’s litigation against Ontario and the Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI) First Nation over the company’s Big Trout Lake Property. As part of the settlement, Platinex will drop its lawsuits against the Crown and KI, and surrender all its mining claims and leases at
Big Trout Lake. In return Platinex will receive $5 million and a potential future royalty interest.
The government will withdraw those lands from staking and mineral exploration.
This settlement will assist Platinex in moving forward with the exploration and development of its other mining properties in Ontario, and responds to the community’s past concerns.
QUOTES
“This is a unique situation, and I am pleased that we were able to reach a fair and reasonable negotiated settlement that will provide greater certainty to Platinex while allowing our government to continue working with KI to strengthen our relationship and to pursue future opportunities.â€
- Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry.
QUICK FACTS
-Ontario will pay Platinex $5 million in return for dropping lawsuits against the Crown and KI. The company will also surrender its mining claims and leases near Big Trout Lake.
-Should the province, at its discretion, issue new mineral tenure on the lands in the next 25 years and a mine be developed, Platinex would be entitled to receive a royalty of 2.5 per cent of the mine revenues paid by the mine operator if a mine is developed. This kind of royalty is common industry practice.
-Ontario’s new Mining Act increases clarity around consultation requirements and will introduce a new vehicle for addressing disputes relating to Aboriginal issues.
-Ontario is the first Canadian jurisdiction to build a dispute resolution process for Aboriginal related mining issues into its mining legislation.
Anne-Marie Flanagan, Minister’s Office, 416-327-0655
Christine Kaszycki, Assistant Deputy Minister, 705-670-5877
-------------------------------
5) ARTICLE: MINING COMPANY SURRENDERS CLAIM TO NATIVE LAND IN $5-MILLION SETTLEMENT, OPENING ONTARIO'S FAR NORTH
December 15, 2009
By: Karen Howlett
Globe and Mail
"The Ontario government is signalling that the province's far north is open to business with the settlement of a lawsuit pitting a tiny exploration company against a native band."
To read the rest of this article go to,
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/mining-company-surrenders-claim-to-native-land-in-5-million-settlement-opening-ontarios-far-north/article1400545/
---------------------------
6) ARTICLE: BOY'S DREAM TO BUILD WINDWILL TRANSFORMS LIVES IN MALAWI
(Editor's note: This is a heart warming, must read article. -LD)
The villagers thought he was crazy, but when the lights went on, the world noticed
December 13, 2009
By: Peggy MacKenzie
Toronto Star
"WIMBE, Malawi –This close to the equator, night descends quickly in November. By 6 p.m., the sky bursts with stars. All is dark outside the village of Wimbe, save for a compound of houses where outdoor fluorescent lights twinkle.
Far off the electric grid, three windmills rattle in the breeze, producing enough electricity to provide indoor and outdoor lighting, and to pump water. The windmills are the legacy of a rickety prototype conceived by William Kamkwamba, a desperate teenager with big dreams."
To read the rest of this article go to,
http://www.thestar.com/News/ScienceTech/Environment/article/738151
------------------------
7) PRESS RELEASE: A "FREE FOR ALL" AS MINING CLAIMS MORE THAN DOUBLE IN CARBON-RICH ECOSYSTEMS
December 14, 2009
Public Interest Groups Call for Land Withdrawals to Ease Pressure
TORONTO – A rapid increase in exploratory mining activities, including staking, drilling and clearance of vegetation in the heart of Ontario’s northern Boreal Forest, one of the world’s most carbon-rich ecosystems, has become a “Wild West†free for all, warn public interest groups. CPAWS Wildlands League, Ecojustice and Mining Watch Canada are concerned that development in an area known in the industry as the ‘Ring of Fire’ in Ontario’s Far North is exploding due to inadequate control under an antiquated Mining Act.
The groups have learned that in the last two years the number of active mining claims has more than doubled in Ontario’s Far North. As of December, there are over 8,200 claims, compared to 4,000 in October of 2007.
“Right now, mining activities are superseding the protection of ecological and cultural values. There is very little government oversight, no environmental assessment process, and no mechanism for First Nation control,†says Anna Baggio of CPAWS Wildlands League. The groups are worried that because claims and leases will be grandfathered into any land use planning processes, local First Nations communities will have little room to manoeuvre. They are also concerned that efforts to protect globally significant, carbon rich bogs and forests, intact watersheds and endangered species’ habitat will be undermined.
The ‘Ring of Fire’ is considered one of the largest potential mineral reserves in Ontario located 240 km west of James Bay. By some estimates, it covers more than 1.5 million ha. Over 35 junior and intermediate mining and exploration companies are now active here, making it the recent hotbed of Wild West mining activity in the Far North.
The groups are concerned that the mining exploration activities are causing the following problems:
-Inadequate waste management, garbage disposal and fuel spills in several mineral exploration camps;
-Polluting of nearby lakes and wetlands;
-Inappropriate and possibly illegal use of mining claims to map out two competing railway routes; and,
-Increased danger for species at risk like woodland caribou and wolverine that need large intact areas of Boreal Forest to survive.
“We are hearing reports of 200 fuel drums sinking into the wetlands because they were placed clumsily on bog mats. Who will be responsible for cleaning up and restoring these lakes and wetlands?†adds Baggio.
“There is a complete lack of legal rules guiding activity in the Ring of Fire,†said Ecojustice Staff Lawyer Justin Duncan. “First Nations need to lead land use planning over the whole area and rules need to be established to manage development, otherwise the heart of Ontario’s northern boreal could be severely impacted and First Nations will bear the brunt of any long-term harm.â€
MiningWatch Canada’s, Program Coordinator, Ramsey Hart says that “the impact of mining activity in this region will have a legacy that will last hundreds of years into the future and there is the potential for irrevocable harm. We have this opportunity, at this juncture, to do it right, with proper planning, environmental controls, and consent and accommodation of First Nations. This is an opportunity we can’t afford to lose†.
The groups want Ontario to immediately withdraw lands in the watersheds affected by the Ring of Fire exploration projects (outside of the areas already ‘claimed’) so that First Nations can work with the government to create a coordinated, regional land use plan and gain control over the implementation of industrial activities. This would minimize negative environmental impacts, protect the public interest, help prevent conflicts and ensure meaningful long term benefits to the people that live there, the groups add.
For further information please contact:
Anna Baggio, Director Conservation Land Use Planning, Wildlands League (416) 453-3285
Justin Duncan, Staff Lawyer, Ecojustice (416) 368-7533, ext.22
Ramsey Hart, Canada Program Coordinator, MiningWatch Canada (613) 569-3439
DECEMBER 15, 2009
IN THIS ISSUE:
1) PROPOSED COMMUNITY PROJECT
2) ARTICLE: QUEBEC UNMOVED IN STANDOFF WITH DOCTORS
3) ARTICLE: SEPT-ILES RESIDENTS WANT QUEBEC TO HALT URANIUM MINING
4) PRESS RELEASE: ONTARIO RESOLVES LITIGATION DISPUTE OVER BIG TROUT LAKE PROPERTY
5) ARTICLE: MINING COMPANY SURRENDERS CLAIM TO NATIVE LAND IN $5-MILLION SETTLEMENT, OPENING ONTARIO'S FAR NORTH
6) ARTICLE: BOY'S DREAM TO BUILD WINDWILL TRANSFORMS LIVES IN MALAWI
7) PRESS RELEASE: A "FREE FOR ALL" AS MINING CLAIMS MORE THAN DOUBLE IN CARBON-RICH ECOSYSTEMS
------------------------------
1) PROPOSED COMMUNITY PROJECT
Hello everyone,
You are invited to participate in the creation of a book inspired by the CCAMU struggle against uranium exploration and mining.
The manuscript of the story is posted at http://kidzlitcobhouse.blogspot.com/2009/06/baby-princess-dragonfly.html
Editing, illustrating, proof-reading and pre-print design & formatting are some of the work ahead of us.
Just the way we produce our flyers and distribute them, the purpose of this children's book in the making is to convey a message important to our community in an accessible way. Copies would be donated to the public library and a local school in our respective regions. It would further be accessible through the CCAMU website with the raised money looping back to the community struggle against uranium exploration and mining.
This is a grassroots endeavor of communal creation meant to support the struggle against nuclear mining (power and weapons). This children's book's purpose is to share our knowledge with the audience that our fliers may not necessarily reach. People of all ages and skills are welcome to participate. The book will be what we collectively make it to be.
The first step is to email to kidzlit...@gmail.com stating what aspect of the work you would like to be involved in. Also please free to contact kidzlitcobhouse with any suggestions or questions that you may have.
Sincerely,
Ivona
-------------------
2) ARTICLE: QUEBEC UNMOVED IN STANDOFF WITH DOCTORS
Physicians in North Shore town say they'll leave if province doesn't start moratorium on nearby uranium exploration
December 05, 2009
By: Rheal Seguin
Globe and Mail
"The Quebec government is resisting calls for a moratorium on the development of uranium deposits in the province despite threats by doctors in Sept-ÃŽles to quit over plans to open a mine near the town."
To read the rest of this article go to,
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/quebec-unmoved-in-standoff-with-doctors/article1389964/
-------------------
3) ARTICLE: SEPT-ILES RESIDENTS WANT QUEBEC TO HALT URANIUM MINING
The province's head of public health, Dr. Alain Poirier, met with the doctors last week. Poirier later announced Quebec would create a special committee to study the potential risks of uranium exploration and mining on health and safety.
December 13, 2009
The Canadian Press
"MONTREAL - Sept-Iles residents continue to pressure Quebec to slap a moratorium on uranium exploration in the province, despite the government's promise to open a debate on health and safety concerns surrounding the industry.
Some 1,000 protesters gathered Sunday in the town about 900 kilometres northwest of Montreal on the North Shore.
They were backing 20 doctors who threatened to quit their practice in the remote Quebec region because of plans to build a uranium mine nearby."
To read the rest of this article go to,
http://www.metronews.ca/edmonton/canada/article/396193--sept-iles-residents-maintain-pressure-on-quebec-to-halt-uranium-mining
-------------------------------
4) PRESS RELEASE: ONTARIO RESOLVES LITIGATION DISPUTE OVER BIG TROUT LAKE PROPERTY
McGuinty Government Reaches Agreement That Balances Company And Community Interests
December 14, 2009
"Ontario has reached an agreement to settle litigation with Platinex Inc. that will provide greater certainty to the company and allow the Province to continue to build its relationship with
Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI) a First Nations community.
The Province of Ontario and Platinex Inc. have entered into an agreement to resolve the company’s litigation against Ontario and the Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI) First Nation over the company’s Big Trout Lake Property. As part of the settlement, Platinex will drop its lawsuits against the Crown and KI, and surrender all its mining claims and leases at
Big Trout Lake. In return Platinex will receive $5 million and a potential future royalty interest.
The government will withdraw those lands from staking and mineral exploration.
This settlement will assist Platinex in moving forward with the exploration and development of its other mining properties in Ontario, and responds to the community’s past concerns.
QUOTES
“This is a unique situation, and I am pleased that we were able to reach a fair and reasonable negotiated settlement that will provide greater certainty to Platinex while allowing our government to continue working with KI to strengthen our relationship and to pursue future opportunities.â€
- Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry.
QUICK FACTS
-Ontario will pay Platinex $5 million in return for dropping lawsuits against the Crown and KI. The company will also surrender its mining claims and leases near Big Trout Lake.
-Should the province, at its discretion, issue new mineral tenure on the lands in the next 25 years and a mine be developed, Platinex would be entitled to receive a royalty of 2.5 per cent of the mine revenues paid by the mine operator if a mine is developed. This kind of royalty is common industry practice.
-Ontario’s new Mining Act increases clarity around consultation requirements and will introduce a new vehicle for addressing disputes relating to Aboriginal issues.
-Ontario is the first Canadian jurisdiction to build a dispute resolution process for Aboriginal related mining issues into its mining legislation.
Anne-Marie Flanagan, Minister’s Office, 416-327-0655
Christine Kaszycki, Assistant Deputy Minister, 705-670-5877
-------------------------------
5) ARTICLE: MINING COMPANY SURRENDERS CLAIM TO NATIVE LAND IN $5-MILLION SETTLEMENT, OPENING ONTARIO'S FAR NORTH
December 15, 2009
By: Karen Howlett
Globe and Mail
"The Ontario government is signalling that the province's far north is open to business with the settlement of a lawsuit pitting a tiny exploration company against a native band."
To read the rest of this article go to,
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/mining-company-surrenders-claim-to-native-land-in-5-million-settlement-opening-ontarios-far-north/article1400545/
---------------------------
6) ARTICLE: BOY'S DREAM TO BUILD WINDWILL TRANSFORMS LIVES IN MALAWI
(Editor's note: This is a heart warming, must read article. -LD)
The villagers thought he was crazy, but when the lights went on, the world noticed
December 13, 2009
By: Peggy MacKenzie
Toronto Star
"WIMBE, Malawi –This close to the equator, night descends quickly in November. By 6 p.m., the sky bursts with stars. All is dark outside the village of Wimbe, save for a compound of houses where outdoor fluorescent lights twinkle.
Far off the electric grid, three windmills rattle in the breeze, producing enough electricity to provide indoor and outdoor lighting, and to pump water. The windmills are the legacy of a rickety prototype conceived by William Kamkwamba, a desperate teenager with big dreams."
To read the rest of this article go to,
http://www.thestar.com/News/ScienceTech/Environment/article/738151
------------------------
7) PRESS RELEASE: A "FREE FOR ALL" AS MINING CLAIMS MORE THAN DOUBLE IN CARBON-RICH ECOSYSTEMS
December 14, 2009
Public Interest Groups Call for Land Withdrawals to Ease Pressure
TORONTO – A rapid increase in exploratory mining activities, including staking, drilling and clearance of vegetation in the heart of Ontario’s northern Boreal Forest, one of the world’s most carbon-rich ecosystems, has become a “Wild West†free for all, warn public interest groups. CPAWS Wildlands League, Ecojustice and Mining Watch Canada are concerned that development in an area known in the industry as the ‘Ring of Fire’ in Ontario’s Far North is exploding due to inadequate control under an antiquated Mining Act.
The groups have learned that in the last two years the number of active mining claims has more than doubled in Ontario’s Far North. As of December, there are over 8,200 claims, compared to 4,000 in October of 2007.
“Right now, mining activities are superseding the protection of ecological and cultural values. There is very little government oversight, no environmental assessment process, and no mechanism for First Nation control,†says Anna Baggio of CPAWS Wildlands League. The groups are worried that because claims and leases will be grandfathered into any land use planning processes, local First Nations communities will have little room to manoeuvre. They are also concerned that efforts to protect globally significant, carbon rich bogs and forests, intact watersheds and endangered species’ habitat will be undermined.
The ‘Ring of Fire’ is considered one of the largest potential mineral reserves in Ontario located 240 km west of James Bay. By some estimates, it covers more than 1.5 million ha. Over 35 junior and intermediate mining and exploration companies are now active here, making it the recent hotbed of Wild West mining activity in the Far North.
The groups are concerned that the mining exploration activities are causing the following problems:
-Inadequate waste management, garbage disposal and fuel spills in several mineral exploration camps;
-Polluting of nearby lakes and wetlands;
-Inappropriate and possibly illegal use of mining claims to map out two competing railway routes; and,
-Increased danger for species at risk like woodland caribou and wolverine that need large intact areas of Boreal Forest to survive.
“We are hearing reports of 200 fuel drums sinking into the wetlands because they were placed clumsily on bog mats. Who will be responsible for cleaning up and restoring these lakes and wetlands?†adds Baggio.
“There is a complete lack of legal rules guiding activity in the Ring of Fire,†said Ecojustice Staff Lawyer Justin Duncan. “First Nations need to lead land use planning over the whole area and rules need to be established to manage development, otherwise the heart of Ontario’s northern boreal could be severely impacted and First Nations will bear the brunt of any long-term harm.â€
MiningWatch Canada’s, Program Coordinator, Ramsey Hart says that “the impact of mining activity in this region will have a legacy that will last hundreds of years into the future and there is the potential for irrevocable harm. We have this opportunity, at this juncture, to do it right, with proper planning, environmental controls, and consent and accommodation of First Nations. This is an opportunity we can’t afford to lose†.
The groups want Ontario to immediately withdraw lands in the watersheds affected by the Ring of Fire exploration projects (outside of the areas already ‘claimed’) so that First Nations can work with the government to create a coordinated, regional land use plan and gain control over the implementation of industrial activities. This would minimize negative environmental impacts, protect the public interest, help prevent conflicts and ensure meaningful long term benefits to the people that live there, the groups add.
For further information please contact:
Anna Baggio, Director Conservation Land Use Planning, Wildlands League (416) 453-3285
Justin Duncan, Staff Lawyer, Ecojustice (416) 368-7533, ext.22
Ramsey Hart, Canada Program Coordinator, MiningWatch Canada (613) 569-3439
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