Uranium theft charge

Press, 12 August 1980, Page 8

Uranium theft charge

NZPA’ 1 Brisbane A process operator was remanded in custody when he appeared, in the Mount Isa Magistrate’s Court yesterday charged with Shaving stolen’ uranium yellowcake worth.. more than $171,000. James' Alexander McDonald, aged 52, of Mary Kathleen, was charged with having stolen two tonnes of yellowcake from Mary Kathleen Uranium, Ltd, between April 30, 1977, and July 1, 1978.

"McDonald was not asked to enter a plea to the charge. The prosecution, which asked that if bail was to be granted, it be substantial, said McDonald had no ties in Queensland and held a current passport. The police said McDonald would be held at Mount Isa until his next appearance on August" 19, when the case would be Tisted..:for mention only. . The material was stolen from the Mary Kathleen mine in' north Queensland and .was found by Commonwealth authorities in Sydney after information they received from a metals company there. .H ’ This information came about 12 days ago ; and this was the first time the company knew that yellowcake had been stolen.

Since the Sydney metals company told Commonwealth authorities of its receiving the yellowcake, the six containers carrying it have been stored ■ at the Atomic Energy.. Commission’s research station at Lucas Heights in Sydney. It is believed to have been stolen' in small quantities over two to three years and hidden at Mount Isa, 2287 km north-west of Brisbane.