In 1956-57 the arid rangelands of South Australia were subject to the detonation of nine major nuclear bombs, and many smaller bomb trials, as part of the British atomic weapons testing program at Maralinga and Emu Field. The establishment of Woomera had forged close military links between Australia and Britain and the Australian government barely questioned the nature and effects of nuclear tests. To carry out the tests thousands of Maralinga, Pitjantjatjara and Kokatha people were forcibly removed from their land by 'Aboriginal Protectors'. Maralinga was a direct act of genocide. The radioactive exposure of the tests was extensive as dense radioactive clouds travelled far and caused much sickness and death of surrounding communities.
Traditional owners speak of the black mist that caused blindness and cancer.
The British and Australian service personnel involved in the tests were also exposed to radioactive contamination. The British continue to dispute their responsibility to rehabilitate the land.