In 1982 hundreds of protesters went to the Olympic Dam Uranium Mine at Roxby Downs in SA to protest against Western Mining Corporation building a uranium, gold, silver and copper mine on Kokatha Land, using Arabunna water resources.
The protests were held to draw attention to the effects of mining uranium and the production of low level radioactive waste on the environment and public health. The protests also focused on the global implications of uranium exports which contribute to the production of high level nuclear waste and nuclear weapons proliferation.
In 2005, Olympic Dam was subject to a takeover by BHP, the worlds largest mining company. Now the sole owner of the Olympic Dam uranium mine, they have proposed a three fold expansion of the mining operation that would make it the biggest uranium mine in the world. BHP have already submitted a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to the Federal Government.
In 2008 another EIS will be submitted to the new ALP Federal Government. Roxstop 2008 is a year long event. People are encouraged to use creative dissent and all forms of protest across the country at every available opportunity; to stop the expansion of Olympic Dam and to revoke the Roxby Downs Indenture Act. The Indenture Act gives the Olympic Dam uranium mine exemption from the Aboriginal Aboriginal Heritage Act 1988, the Water Resources Act 1997, the Freedom of Information Act 1991, Environmental Protection Act 1993, Mining Act 1971, and the Development Act 1993.
There are three actions planned for the end of 2008 check the calender for details or download flier here Go to the posters and fliers page to download more stuff and spread the word.
Check this site regularly for Action updates, events for roxstop 2008 and for updated information.
Keep checking the website for state and territory contacts, or become a state or territory contact.