Wednesday, 30 May, 2007

ABC NT Local News

The Northern Territory's Northern Land Council has defended itself against attacks by Mirarr traditional owners who do not want the council to be involved in uranium mining negotiations.

The NLC's Norman Fry says he wants to sit down with the owners and Rio Tinto to see if an agreement can be reached about a new uranium mine at Jabiluka.

That has angered the Mirarr people who say Mr Fry has not spoken to any of them and has no idea what is going on between traditional owners and the mining company.

But the NLC says under the Jabiluka mine agreement, the NLC and Mirrar people meet every four years to discuss their position on uranium mining.

In a written statement, the NLC says it will continue to represent faithfully the position of the Mirarr and the traditional owners' concerns are misplaced.