Olympic Dam protest sparks police ire

About 60 anti-nuclear protesters lit the fire early Sunday morning and it was extinguished that evening by the local CFS, leaving minor damage on the road surface.

Protesters of the Lizard Bites Back ‘Protestival’ also attempted to move a large yellow object resembling uranium onto the road with a defected vehicle, but it was denied by authorities several times.

The object, estimated to weigh 200 kilograms to 300kg, was then carried onto the road but officers were quick to seize it.

Police Commander Bronwyn Killmier said there were no arrests or reported injuries but were unimpressed by the actions of some protesters.

 "Police have been extremely patient and tolerant with the protesters. They were told continuously during their 'Protestival' that no vehicles or objects will be permitted to block the road,” she said.

"Given the effort that police took to facilitate their peaceful protest, their actions are disappointing. Especially the actions of one protester who attempted to startle the police horses, putting other protesters, our riders and horses at risk."

The main entry road to Olympic Dam has been closed several times since Friday, with more than 150 protesters participating in marches from their campsite.

Ms Killmier said there were extra police, trail bikes and mounted police to keep protesters at bay.

“In the last few days of the protest, police have gone to considerable effort to facilitate lawful protest activity and are disappointed with the actions of some protesters,” she said.

The Desert Liberation Front protesters are against the planned expansion of the Olympic Dam uranium mine and the proposed Flinders Ranges toxic waste dump, and would like to see BHP’s uranium mine closed within two years.

Protesters returned to the same site as four years ago, where they initially protested against the Olympic Dam expansion which did not go ahead.