Demonstrations In Helsinki And Tampere Against Uranium Mining

Thu 05:36 PM, updated Thu 07:35 PM

Protesters gathered in Helsinki and Tampere on Thursday to lend support to residents of Ranua, in Finnish Lapland, who oppose plans for uranium mining in the area.

The French energy group Areva has filed an application with the Ministry Employment and the Economy for a uranium mining claim at Ranua, just south of Rovaniemi. If granted, the claim would allow Areva to carrying out prospecting in the area.

According to a local activisit, Kaisa Kaikkonen, granting the claim could force residents of the area to live for decades in fear of the start-up of uranium mining.

"The drilling and digging in search of uranium are in themselves a risk for the natural environment and ground water. In addition, the further the project proceeds, the harder it will be to prevent the establishment of a uranium mine."

Police report that the demonstrations were peaceful, gathering a dozen people in Tampere and around 40 in Helsinki.

YLE

http://www.yle.fi/uutiset/news/2009/08/demonstrations_in_helsinki_and_tampere_against_uranium_mining_927323.html