The Nuclear Dilemma

Publisher:  The Institute for Saskatchewan Studies, Box 1462, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
Year Published:  1977
Pages:  10pp   Resource Type:  Article
Cx Number:  CX474

This paper report on discussions hold at a June 1977 seminar at the Institute for Saskatchewan Studies.

Abstract: 
This paper report on discussions hold at a June 1977 seminar at the Institute for Saskatchewan Studies. The seminar dealt with the nuclear issue and particularly the implications of developing the uranium deposits at Cluff Lake, Sask.

The paper begins by identifying several problems in the nuclear industry - from health hazards in uranium mining to the permanent disposal of radioactive wastes. One article entitled "The International Politics of Nuclear Energy" states that; 1) nuclear reactor technology and world uranium supplies are controlled by a small group of multinational corporations; 2) nations with military-dominated economics (e.g. Brazil and South Korea) are the most willing customers for nuclear power; such countries are also geared toward heavy foreign capital investment; 3) nuclear energy does not aid the poor of Third World countries but instead reinforces their dependency on the industrialized nations which export nuclear technology.

This paper also discusses the socio-economic implications of proceeding with uranium development at Cluff Lake, Sask. On the one hand the Saskatchewan government claims that increased employment and provincial revenues would result from such development. However, critics of the project including the Saskatchewan Coalition Against Nuclear Development strongly challenge the government position. Opponents of nuclear development in Saskatchewan call for a moratorium on uranium mining in Saskatchewan citing health, safety and security problems. Safer energy alternatives such as solar are recommended.

A final article in this paper looks at the environment impact of nuclear development. Fluorine is cited as a major hazard in uranium refining. If fluorine contamination occurs it could be extremely detrimental to the dairy industry of Saskatchewan.