Rare earths plant still in talking time
Saturday, 30 June, 2007
by Kasey Brunt
NT News
Arafura Resources managing director Alistair Stephens said the company was only considering the idea and had not yet lodged a Notice of Intent with the Mines Department.
"Once we do so, obviously we will go through the normal environmental approvals process required by the Northern Territory Government, including comprehensive community consultation," he said.
Mr Stephens said the production of rare earths could produce about 200 tonnes of uranium a year as a by-product.
He said the company was planning to develop the Nolans Bore rare earths deposit in Central Australia.
Mines Minister Chris Natt said he welcomed discussion between Arafura and the Government.
But he said the Government had not received any proposal from the company to develop a plant in Darwin.
"At this stage, Arafura Resources only holds exploration licenses in the Territory," he said.
"If a proposal is received, it will be subject to all the usual stringent assessment processes."
Opposition leader Jodeen Carney said Middle Arm was not "an appropriate site" for a minerals processing plant.
"Mining brings substantial economic benefits ... to the Territory and its people," she said.
"But Darwin Harbour isn't an appropriate site for locating a uranium processing plant or a rare earths processing plant."
She said the plant should be built at Glyde Point.
Environment Centre spokeswoman Emma King said there would be waste disposal problems if a plant was established at Middle Arm.
"A processing plant located in Darwin Harbour raises grave concerns about the effect such a development could have on the health of Darwin Harbour and the Darwin public."