This article gives a less sensational perspective...

This article gives a less sensational perspective http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/08/06/2975891.htm

Perth-based company Groote Resources has been granted exploration licences for a shallow marine area between Groote Eylandt and the Northern Territory mainland, as well as two smaller islands.

The Anindilyakwa Land Council's chief executive Richard Preece says the company is consulting traditional owners about its plans for the islands, which are Aboriginal land.

But he says the company is not required to consult them about the seabed, despite its cultural and environmental significance.

"There has been no consultations at all with the seabed," he said.

"And really this shows up, I think, a problem with the Northern Territory Government's legislation around Indigenous interests regarding seabeds around the Northern Territory coastline," he said.

"Certainly there should be proper protection of Indigenous interests on those seabeds."

The company and the Northern Territory Government have been contacted for comment. END

The ALC know that GOT is well within its rights to explore the ocean tenaments but are probably not to happy that they dont stand to directly benifit from the potential wealth within the sea beds.

This recent article shows that the ALC is pro developement.

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/island-towns-first-to-sign-lease/story-e6frg6po-1111116397711

This statement shows they see the benifits of minning.

Mr Preece said to suggest the traditional owners would be supportive of another mining operation because of the long existence of the BHP operation would be simplistic. ''What can be said is that people here see the benefits of mining. But they also have conflicts about watching their country being mown down and mined.''
http://www.smh.com.au/business/manganese-venture-puts-spark-in-groote-resources-20100405-rn0j.html

It makes sense that the ALC want to see what is best for their people and for their enviroment. Good mangement and consideration of the locals will see a good result for all involved.

Cheers

Retrac