In addition to the solid wastes there will be liquid wastes produced at the site. As a rule liquid wastes take up over twice the volume of solid wastes. Estimates based on company data suggest some 25,500,000 tonnes of liquid wastes will be generated. The presence of such materials poses significant environmental problems. The area around the Kintyre site is both arid and fragile.
Water is extremely scarce.
The constant extraction from subterranean aquifers may have a severe impact. The problems of the storage, treatment and management of mine waste waters are also significant and provide a very real pathway for environmental degradation. The proposed road transport of uranium oxide also poses a risk to both the surrounding environment and persons. The roads in the region are long and rough and subject to extremes of weather and conditions. Accidents in the area are common and the risk of spillage is very real.