Threat of uranium mining in the Karoo ‘worse than fracking’

The possible effects of uranium mining in the Karoo are even more terrifying than those of shale gas extraction by means of hydraulic fracturing (fracking), according to Graaff-Reinet hydro-geologist Dr Stefan Cramer.

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His statement follows news that Australian company Peninsula Energy had acquired some 750 000ha of Karoo properties and concessions around Beaufort West.

The company has entered in a joint venture, Tasman RSA Mines, with SA mining company Lukisa, with offices in Beaufort West, said to Cramer.

Large-scale radioactive dust contamination could occur if uranium mining is allowed to continue. Such dust clouds are “unavoidable during drilling, blasting and transporting,” said Cramer.

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Peninsula Energy announced at the end of 2015 that its exploration in the Karoo revealed very high-grade uranium in the Rietkuil area of the Beaufort Wes district.