NUKE KIDS ON THE BLOCK

An anti-nuclear base camp has sprung up in the forests of Ranua in Finland where Areva, a multinational uranium mining corporation, has already started drilling. Despite Areva’s assurances to local people that they will not survey the area until they receive a claim permit from the Ministry of Work and Livelihood, two pipes have been discovered drilled into the ground which experts believe may be deep drilling holes. Due to the scant protection offered by Finnish Environmental Law, Areva can effectively legally start drilling with only the landowner’s permission which has already been secured.

The camp’s main purpose therefore is to monitor, report back and disrupt work while they wait for the Ministry’s official decision. In order to establish an effective public outreach programme and ensure the survival of the camp, more numbers are needed, right now. There is a call-out for people to join the Ranua Rescue Areva Mining Monitors (RRAMM) to help monitor the activities of Areva and provide a physical presence. Due to the location of the camp, which is situated near a lake within a forest on the edge of Areva’s huge prospecting claim area, use of a vehicle, preferably a van or a pick-up, is the most desperately sought item on their wish list. If you can help them please get in contact.

You can phone the camp on +358 40 365 2041 and book yourself on their calendar poll at http://doodle.com/mr3m86qgdpsab94x.

A press conference has been scheduled and a public meeting called for October 12-14.

Contact the camp at camp@nuclearfreefinland.org. Check out www.nuclearfreefinland.org and www.ranuarescue.blogspot.com