nt govt on uranium mining - ouch!!

Doubt on NT uranium mining
By Karen Michelmore
June 19, 2005
From: AAP

THE re-elected Northern Territory Government's anti-uranium policy could set it on course for a showdown with the Federal Government.

The Howard Government has been vocal in its support for an increase in uranium mining, given high world uranium prices.
But the NT Labor Government, returned in a landslide on the weekend, has promised no new uranium mines will be established in the territory.

Environmentalists have hailed the election result, in which Labor could have 15 to 18 of the 25 Legislative Assembly seats, as a big win for the environment.

The Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) said it sent a "clear message to Canberra" that territorians were opposed to uranium mining.

"It's a clear end to this push for expanded uranium mining in the territory," ACF nuclear campaigner Dave Sweeney said.

"What that (the election) does is send a very clear message to industry that they are not going to get new uranium projects in the NT."

The territory holds rich uranium deposits, with Energy Resources of Australia (ERA) currently mining at Ranger, which is surrounded by Kakadu National Park.

French nuclear power company Cogema is lobbying traditional owners in a bid to mine its multi-million dollar, 14,000 tonne Koongarra deposit in Kakadu National Park.

And West Australian-based Arafura Resources is seeking permission to mine 200 tonnes of uranium a year at Yalyirimbi in Central Australia.

NT Chief Minister Clare Martin today reiterated her opposition to uranium mining.

"There is no difference between the territory Labor and federal Labor and other state Labor parties in our attitude towards uranium," she said.

"We (have) made it very clear ... that I would not support and Cabinet would not support a uranium mine at Koongarra.

"I think that would be a real desecration of Kakadu National Park, and certainly as tourism minister and chief minister, you just wouldn't do that."

However, it is believed new uranium mining in the territory could be possible, at ERA's Jabiluka deposit, if the company gained the support of traditional owners.

Mining at ERA's Ranger deposit is expected to wind up about 2008, with the company leaving open the door to possible future mining if it obtains the consent of traditional owners.

Under a landmark deal, traditional owners have a right of veto over the project.

The NT Opposition has criticised Labor's anti-uranium mining policy, saying it sent the worst possible message to business investors.

"Two companies, possibly looking to invest millions in the territory mining uranium, have been told they have wasted their money because the Labor government will not allow another new mine," Mr Burke said this week.

"Business around Australia will be watching and shaking their heads in disbelief at the way the Labor Government is conducting itself."