Summary

Alternative Name(s): Button

Round badge with the slogan 'Stop Uranium Mining', made circa 1979 - 1986. It is part of a collection of badges assembled by the donor while active in left-wing politics at the University Melbourne, circa 1979-1986.

Anti-nuclear campaigns were being set up world-wide from the late 1950s onwards, with the movement really peaking in the 1970s. Amongst these general campaigns, there were some that specifically targeted uranium mining. Such organisations flourished in Australia, as it was and is still one of the world's largest exporters of uranium. Movement Against Uranium Mining (MAUM), for example, was involved in campaigns against nuclear weapons and French nuclear testing in the Pacific, as well as commemorations of Hiroshima Day. However, as the name suggests, their main aim was to lobby against uranium mining. Because of the popularity of the Vietnam Moratorium marches, a National Uranium Moratorium campaign was started in 1976 and by 1977 the Melbourne rally had 15.000 participants. This badge was probably used at a similar demonstration.

Physical Description

Circular button - yellow background - black skull in centre surrounded by three red triangles with curved outer edge and inner edge. Writing in black about rim. Nail fastening pin attached to gold coloured metal back.

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