Dagan to dig for uranium in Negev

The Water and Energy Ministry has granted Gulliver Energy a domestic uranium exploration permit, Ynet learned Tuesday. The company, headed by former Mossad Chief Meir Dagan, will dig for the radioactive metallic element in the Negev. Related stories: Ex-Mossad chief to explore uranium 'Natural gas market will promote regional stability' Illegal mining now punishable by jail time The permit given to Gulliver Energy is the first of its kind. Ministry sources said that the license was not exclusive and that other companies can bid for uranium exploration permits as well. A press release by Gulliver Energy said that the company's permit, allotted for a period of one year, will allow it to explore for uranium across 12,000 acres stretching between Arad and Sodom. A feasibility study done in the area suggests that there is a good chance that there radioactive elements can be found there. Initial testing was done at shallow depth and the company plans to conduct further testing, in various depths, in order to explore the type of elements in the ground. Still, Arad's Mayor Tali Peloskov was less than enthused about the prospects of a uranium excavation site so close to the city. "The City of Arad will not allow for any mining in its jurisdiction. I urge Environmental Protection Minister Gilad Erdan and Deputy Health Minister Yakov Litzman to hold an urgent meeting on the matter. "I further demand that a professional assessment be ordered to see of this poses a health risk to the people of Arad," she said. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter