Background to Yeelirrie

YEELIRRIE | WESTERN AUSTRALIA

The Yeelirrie deposit was discovered by WMC in 1972 is located about 500 km north of Kalgoorlie and 500km north east of Geraldton in a semi-arid region that is reliant on underground water. The area of the proposed mine has high background levels of radon.

The deposit is believed to be the largest calcrete type deposit in the world extending over 9 kms and up to 1.5 kms wide. It is estimated to contain 52,000 tonnes of uranium oxide. Proposed production rates estimate that 2500 tonnes per year of uranium oxide and 1000 tonnes per year of vanadium oxide would be produced.

Such a production schedule would also see the creation of around 27 million tonnes of uranium tailings over the life of the project, a most significant and long term radiological hazard. Exposure pathways concerning these tailings are numerous and are difficult to minimise through the use of engineering controls given the nature of the time frames involved. These pathways include seepage; groundwater intrusion; human, animal or vegetation intrusion or intervention, food chain absorption and dust blow.

The long term hazards posed by the existence of such tailings dams is evidenced by the fact that already there have been recreational users of this facility. Boat races have been held here (Kalgoorlie Miner 2-9-82).

The EIS was produced in 1978 followed by environmental approval by both State and Commonwealth governments.

In the twelve years to 1983, WMC and it’s partners (including Esso) spent a total of $35 million preparing to develop Yeelirrie as an open cut mine, including building and operating the pilot metallurgical plant at Kalgoorlie. The plant produced 11 tonnes of yellowcake from the Yeelirrie deposit which were then stored at the Lucas Heights nuclear facility in New South Wales. In 1984 the plant also treated 200 tonnes of uranium ore from Roxby Downs, however commercial arrangements did not materialise between the joint venture partners and the change of government prevented further development.

The deposit is currently on a ‘care and maintenance’ basis.

Western Australian trade unions, environmental groups and Aboriginal peoples have previously all expressed concern over and opposition to this project.

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