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]
