I beg to differ, unfortunately. The "dangers" and "negative effects" of uranium exploration include the following:
- mining claims against private property reduce property values by creating uncertainty over the future use of land - this can have very real negative financial implications for someone owning a "claimed" property, especially if they have to sell (it can greatly reduce the available market at any price)
- mining claims reduce investment in property - residential and recreational - because it is very difficult to justify buying a property or spending money on a property that could be expropriated (why put on the new addition, re-build the cottage or do a landscaping project?) - this leads to short-term job losses in the local trades
- mining claims and exploration activities divide communities - some property owners want to make a buck by allowing exploration (e.g., $100 per core sample) while others are opposed to the whole notion of exploration and mining and want the mining companies to cease and desist - these views are manifest in public meetings and the press and can be taken advantage of by the exploration and mining companies
- mining exploration work can have limited effects on the natural environment - trees get cut, trenches get ploughed, core samples get drilled - minimal disruptions in the scheme of things unless they take place near you
- uranium claims staking and exploration can (and does) lead to mining - if it didn't the companies involved wouldn't be here - this central point is often not discussed at all, rather proponents say a mine is years away and there would be an environmental assessment anyway - the point that is being missed (deliberately?) is uranium mining has serious environmental and health implications, so why support or accommodate exploration?
- mining claims and exploration activities destroy peace of mind for many property owners - it is very difficult to build towards a retirement on your property or to enjoy your residence or cottage now with the nagging concern of being expropriated or living near a mine hanging over your head like a dark cloud
It seems that some (many?) people in public health agencies and politics in particular fail to perceive the negative implications of mining claims and exploration activities.
I guess until a claim has been made against your property, it is too difficult to grasp the ramifications. Sadly in this case there appears to be no substitute for experience.