Let's end the toxic trade

From ancient rock formations to mountains swirled with ochre, this continent is a geological wonderland.

Some of our minerals are even vibrant green – and radioactive. In fact, around a third of the world’s uranium reserves are found in Australia.

But mining these radioactive rocks pollutes our air, soil and water. It can damage the genetic and reproductive systems of plants, animals and people.

All of Australia’s operating uranium mines have a history of leaks, spills and accidents – and none have ever been properly rehabilitated. And there is no secure, long-term solution to cope with the millions of tonnes of radioactive waste from mining operations, or the more risky and longer-lived radioactive waste from power stations.

Yet for two decades now, successive governments have tried to impose uranium mines and radioactive waste dumps on unwilling remote communities. Right now, they're pushing to ship, store and bury national radioactive waste on Aboriginal country in South Australia, even though SA said no being an international waste dump.

Decisions on handling radioactive waste last longer than this generation.