Fighting Jabiluka, Beverley and Roxby mines

By Emma Webb

ADELAIDE — Around 120 people were addressed by Aboriginal elders and and other activists opposed to uranium mining at a public meeting on March 22 organised by the Jabiluka Action Group.

Arabunna elder Kevin Buzzacott spoke about the devastating effects of the Roxby uranium mine and its expansion on Arabunna culture and the Lake Eyre environment. Adnyamathanha community member Jillian Marsh explained the history of Aboriginal opposition to the recently approved Beverley uranium mine. A message was read from the Coober Pedy Aboriginal Women's Committee, which has been campaigning against the proposed waste dump at Billa Kalina in SA.

The panel and discussion were followed by two workshops. One discussed plans for the Arabunna's Going Home camp at Lake Eyre. The other made plans for the JAG rally on World Environment Day, June 5, and the April 29 National Union of Students-initiated student walkout against Jabiluka. Both actions will start at Victoria Square at 1pm.

On March 23, around 50 activists gathered at the commonwealth office of environment minister Robert Hill. They marched with six 44-gallon drums to the office of Heathgate Resources, operator of the Beverley uranium mine, where they enacted a "toxic spill" and die-in.

About 30 Adelaide activists, and many others from around Australia, have travelled to Lake Eyre to support the start of the Going Home action. They have visited Arabunna cultural sites and held an action at the gates of the Roxby mine on March 29.

In Adelaide, the Arabunna have begun legal action against Hugh Morgan, Robert Hill, Alexander Downer and the Commonwealth of Australia, charging them with genocide.

Keepers of Lake Eyre has been formed to work in solidarity with the Arabunna people in their struggle to against the Roxby mine. KOLE and JAG can be contacted on 8232 8595.

From GLW issue 355