The Guardian 25 October, 2006
In the nuclear line of fire
Big business is extremely interested in involving Australia in a frightening nuclear future. In 2003 five companies were exploring for uranium in Australia, now it’s more than 70.
The Synroc Study Group was set up in 1989 to study the commercialisation of the Australian Synroc process (which incorporates radioactive nuclear waste into synthetic ceramic), and includes representatives from BHP-Billington, Rio Tinto, Energy Resources of Australia and Western Mining Corporation.
Last year this organisation concluded, with very carefully chosen words, that the most favourable commercial prospects for this process would involve: "Establishment in Australia of an integrated spent fuel management industry with both Australian and international participation, with final disposal of HLW (high level nuclear waste) immobilised in Synroc on an Australian territorial site".
In short, they really do favour turning Australia into a nuclear waste dump.