Uranium-free utopia in B.C

In 1980 the government of British Columbia called off the Bates Commission inquiry into uranium mining and declared a seven-year moratorium on uranium exploration in the province. Since then the commission has issued its final report, which included the recommendation that exploration could proceed safely. The provincial government, however, has refused to lift the ban. In its other recommendations the Bates Commission stated that future energy needs may require the development of all known uranium resources; that advances in miner protection and tailings disposal could soon make uranium mining acceptably safe; and that uranium mining is morally and ethically acceptable. Specific recommendations on research needs that should be met before uranium mining is allowed in British Columbia were made. (LL)