Labradorians concerned about uranium mine

The Nunatsiavut government in Labrador is hosting public meetings in Makkovik and Postville this week to hear from people who are concerned about a proposed uranium mine.

Aurora Energy Resources is test-drilling in several areas near the Labrador communities and company officials say they're close to deciding if a mine is feasible.

Ted Andersen has trapping grounds in the area where Aurora Energy Resources is drilling. He wonders if he'll still be able to get to his land if the uranium mine goes ahead. He compares his situation to those who lost land near the Voisey's Bay nickel mining operation, also in Labrador.

"Just looking at Voisey's Bay, I mean, there's nobody allowed to go there," Andersen said. "You're not allowed to hunt, you're not allowed to trap, you're not allowed to do anything there."

Jim Tsannie says Anderson has good reason to be concerned.A Dene from Hatchet Lake,Sask., Tsannieand his family have lived and worked near a uranium mine.

"It took everything away from what you originally grew up to know," Tsannie said. "For my sister and my family and fellow workers, a lot of the things were the health effects. We're starting to see a larger number of people succumb to cancer and there is no going back."

Company officials with Aurora Energy Resources told the CBC that if it does build a mine in Labrador, health and safety would be apriority. The company plans to register the project with the Environment Department later this year.

Makkovik town manager Terry Rice says a mine would be an economic boost for the area, but he also has environmental concerns.

"That we don't see the same problems experienced up at Voisey's Bay with regards to the pipe breaking and the tailings pond overflowing, spilling out into all of the rivers," Rice said.