U industry engaging the community in the West

Uranium companies in Western Australia briefed interested members of the Kalgoorlie-Boulder community last week about the nature and scope of their projects.

Toro Energy, Mega Uranium, Energy and Minerals Australia and BHP Billiton provided information and answered residents' questions at a public information event attended by about 150 people.

Residents were briefed by the WA Department of Mines and Petroleum and the WA Radiological Council on the regulatory framework for prospective uranium mines in the West.

The local newspaper quoted Kal residents who attended as saying the industry presence was "ground-breaking". The Kalgoorlie Miner's Adam Kolberg says there is a battle for the people's hearts and minds going on over uranium in the West.

He says: "the group who eventually wins the community's uranium vote could well be the side that best engages in guerrilla warfare - close, hand-to-hand contact and face-to-face communication".

While we might not agree it's a war, the uranium industry will certainly be keeping up the flow of information and the face-to-face communication effort with the people in the West.

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