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Miners at risk from protestors, BHP say

Miners at risk from protestors, BHP say

BHP Billiton staff have been told to hide anything that may identify them as part of the company due to apparent safety risks from anti-uranium protestors.

The miner warned staff in an email yesterday, stating that a protest at Perth's Central Park may spread to other BHP sites in the city, according to The West.

It told employees to "be discreet displaying the BHP Billiton logo" on clothing, identity cards or bags, adding that they should keep a low profile in the run up to CHOGM.

"Your safety and security is of our utmost concern," the email stated.

The email also urged BHP staff to question those not displaying the proper identification badges at work as well as any "suspicious activity".

BHP spokesperson Fiona Martin told The West the email is an internal update to employees, whose safety is always our first concern".

However Conservation Council of WA's Mia Pepper, the protest organiser, dismissed the miner's warnings as "ridiculous".

"Even before a single action has been held, they are calling people rioters and violent," she said.

"The action is about the power that this corporation has. In no way would we ever be violent."

The Conservation Council is protesting against BHP's Yeerlirrie project, Toro Energy's Lake Way, Cameo's Kintyre project, Energy and Minerals Australia's Mulga Rocks project, and Mega Uranium's Lake Maitland project. 

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