Thursday, 8 March, 2007

ABC NT Local News

Last week's Top End floods have forced the Ranger uranium mine to revise down its production estimates.

A total of 850 millimetres of rain fell on the site last week forcing Energy Resources of Australia (ERA) to stop mining operations and shut down the plant.

Mining resumed yesterday.

First quarter production is expected to be 20 to 30 per cent lower than last year.

High water levels in the pit are also expected to effect production in the second half of the year.

ERA has invoked the "Act of God" clause in its sales contracts as a result of the rain.