Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Lilongwe (Fides Service) - The Justice and Peace Commission of the Catholic Bishops of Malawi has joined legal action promoted by various NGOs to stop the opening of a uranium mine.
The NGOs and civil society representatives protest against the environmental risks of the plan, to open in September 2008 a mine in Kayelekera, close to the border with Tanzania. An Australian company has obtained concession of the mine. Interviewed by the Catholic magazine “The Lamp” the Mines and Minerals Commissioner of Malawi's Ministry for Natural Resources and Mines Charles Kaphwiyo, spoke of dangers connected with the extraction of uranium: “the main danger in a uranium mine is radon gas which is an element found everywhere. Radon however is easily kept under control. The second danger comes from the liquids used to extract uranium from the rock. How will these acids be disposed of? We are well aware that the mine cannot be allowed to destroy the environment”. Kaphwiyo said the Australian company plans to construct to basins to collect acids and other refuse while the government will form a body to guarantee that national and international environmental norms are respected
Although the local people are interested in the mine's economic prospects they are also concerned the possible effects on the environment. On the one hand the building of the mine will create 800 construction jobs and employ some 200 miners. The company has promised to contribute to the building of primary and secondary schools and a medical centre. New fiscal income from taxes and royalties will be used Kaphwiyo said “to build hospitals and other infrastructures in Malawi”. Other benefits will come from induced consumption and purchasees on local markets by the installation managers. Moreover as the Mines and Mineral commissioner says, the mine, the exploitation of which is financed by a group of international banks, “will put Malawi on the world map” opening the door for more foreign investment.
Opposition to the initiative emphasises the risks for the environment, particularly the danger that the industrial refuse may end up in the North Rukuru river whose waters flow into Lake Malawi, the country's economic lung on which it depends for hydro electric power, fishing and tourism. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 18/5/2007 righe 34 parole 417)
