Ranger Uranium Environmental Inquiry

Ranger Uranium Environmental Inquiry (RUEI) (also known as the Fox Report) was a committee established by the Whitlam government in Australia, which sought to explore the environmental concerns surrounding uranium mining.^[1][2] The Inquiry was established in 1975.^[3]

The inquiry produced two major reports.^[4] The first report investigated broad issues around nuclear power such as should Australia be involved in nuclear power. The report was released in October 1976.^[4] It concluded that uranium mining could proceed safely if it was well regulated.^[4]

The second report investigated issues surrounding the establishment of the Ranger Uranium Mine. It concluded that indigenous land rights should be upheld and that a new national park be established.^[5] The national park was to be called Kakadu, with the Ranger, Jabiluka and Koongarra uranium projects deliberately excised from Kakadu.^[5] The federal government approved the mine due to the report. Mining operations began in 1980 and went on to become Australia’s longest running uranium mine.^[6] Recommendations were made in an effort to reduce environmental releases and the potential harmful impacts of radionuclides and heavy metals.^[5]

According to the National Archives of Australia:

The Inquiry found that if uranium mining was properly regulated and controlled, its hazards were not sufficient to prevent the development of the mines. The Inquiry recommended the establishment of a comprehensive system of environmental monitoring and research, overseen by a coordinating committee representing all the agencies involved, and chaired by a supervising scientist. It also recommended the granting of Aboriginal title to a substantial part of the region and the creation of a national park.^[2]

The final report of the inquiry is available in full: Ranger Uranium Environmental Inquiry final report 1977.^[7]

• List of inquiries into uranium mining in Australia