The environmental impact of what could be one of Western Australia's first uranium mines outweighs its "scant" economic benefit, conservationists say.
As the Environment Protection Authority assesses Cameco's proposed Yeelirrie mine in the state's northern Goldfields, the Conservation Council of WA has warned the project could wipe out subterranean species, adding the Canadian company may then "warehouse" the product while prices are low.
Cameco conceded in its submission to the EPA that troglofauna habitat would be lost with the excavation of the mine pit, while habitat quality would be reduced in a small area around the pit due to drying.
But none of the 115 subterranean fauna species at Yeelirrie were listed for special protection, it said.
The company also said it had not dug any groundwater extraction wells within a palaeochannel to the northwest of the pit, which was potentially an excellent source of groundwater, because it supported many stygofauna species.
Australian Conservation Foundation campaigner Dave Sweeney said there was "scant economic incentive" for the mine while prices were depressed.
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