Uranium: the obsolescent mineral

The economic arguments for the absorption of Koongarra and Jabiluka uranium deposits into the Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory are presented. The world trends in nuclear power generation and consequent uranium demand are discussed in the light of a report by Ciaran O'Faircheallaigh on the likely demand for Australian uranium, commissioned by Greenpeace. It is concluded that considering the impact of the conservation measures on energy consumption as well as the reduction in the cost of the renewable energies, the environmental and social impact of two new uranium mines in Kakadu would not be beneficial to ordinary Australians