Thursday, 24 May, 2007

ABC

The Northern Territory Mines Minister says his government will not interfere in negotiations between a major mining company and traditional owners over uranium mining at Jabiluka.

Traditional owners say they still reject any proposal to mine the site near the Kakadu National Park, which is rich in the resource.

Mines Minister Chris Natt says despite a prospective boom in the uranium market, the Territory Government will not apply pressure on the Mirarr people.

"Obviously we'd like to see Jabiluka go ahead but at the end of the day, that's up to the traditional owners of the land and if they come to an agreement with ERA all well and good," he said.

"But at this stage, it's between the company and the traditional owners."