Uranium Mine Economic Boom Myth Exposed!

(Note: this will be the first in a series of articles on the myth of the supposed boom we will receive from uranium mining. Readers are encouraged to submit articles on this subject to john_chaney@hotmail.com for publication herein.)


The Myth of the Economic Boom from Uranium Mining– Part I

Much has been said about the enormous boom that will come from uranium being mined and processed here in our economically depressed area. But is that true? Is it true of past mining towns and areas? Is it true of current mining towns? What happens when a uranium mine comes to town? Do things get better or worse?

These are important questions that need real answers instead of just assuming all will be great and wonderful. I will not attempt to answer all of these in this instance; we will address them over time.

However, there is already being felt an economic effect from just the thought of uranium mining coming to Chatham. And, folks, I have to warn you that it is NOT an economic boom! It IS quite contrary to that!

The Multi-National and Local mining corporations have pooh-pawed contentions that mining will actually have a negative economic effect in Chatham and the county. They say we are illiterate hysterics for even mentioning the possibility that land and home values will tank, that companies will hesitate to locate here, and that the two prominent private schools here will suffer from withdrawals of current students and loss of future enrollments.

Well, I hate to be the one to actually have to inform the Multi-National corporations, but, it is already happening:

· A successful local real estate broker has stated that their firm has recently obtained at least two sale listings in Chatham where the current owners gave the uranium mine as their sole reason for selling their property. How many others will do so soon? With a glut of homes for sale, what will happen to prices and values? Economic boom? I don’t think so!
· A company that had previously decided to open up shop here has now missed a pre-set contact appointment with town officials and does not return calls from town officials. Economic boom? I don’t think so!
· A reliable source at one of the two private schools in Chatham has confirmed that potential enrollee’s families are now holding back from making decisions to enroll at a rate that is uncharacteristic of the past. The source attributes it to the uranium mine coming to town.

Economic boom? I don’t think so!

(For additional information on the economic effects of uranium mining, please go to : www.evincere.net then Click on the current Issue of Evince button labeled "here" . Read Rick Dixon's article.)