Excerpts from a Press Release by the Anti-Nuclear Alliance of W.A:

There are major concerns about the amounts of radioactive materials being transported from Mt Weld through the port of Fremantle. Health & safety issues need to be thoroughly examined to ensure the best protection of those involved in the handling of this material. Lynas proposes the export of West Australian Rare earth to a controversial processing plant in Malaysia, which is currently facing delays due to construction defects, and strong local opposition. Over 15,000 people took part in a mass protest action just over a week ago to show their opposition to the project. The Lynas project has sparked Malaysia largest-ever environmental campaign.

Marcus Atkinson spokesperson for ANAWA stated “The EPA needs to take a serious look at the Lynas operations at Mt Weld along with the transportation of this radioactive material to the Fremantle Port for export.,” he said.

“There need to be extremely stringent safeguards in place to protect the residents of Fremantle and other communities on the transport routes. The approvals given 14 years ago need to be re-examined by the EPA and stronger regulations need to be put in place to ease the fears of the community. We have made many mistakes in the past with the transport of lead and other materials. We need to ensure that the same mistakes are not made with rare earth products. “

Read more here.