Call for uranium mine closure after leak in South Australia

Conservationists and legislators said a uranium mine should be temporarily closed after 60,000 litres of radioactive fluid leaked on Friday from a pipe at the site in South Australia.

Stephen Middleton, spokesman for Beverley mine operator, Heathgate Resources, said the liquid comprised salty ground water, sulfuric acid, uranium, added oxygen and was "naturally radioactive." It had been contained in a drain.

"There's been no impact on the environment and no impact on worker's safety."

The state government has promised an inquiry.