Thursday, 4 January, 2007

ABC NT Local News

There is strong interest from mining companies in the potentially uranium-rich Angela and Pamela deposits, south of Alice Springs.

Eighty new mining exploration applications have been lodged since 18 new land areas were released by the Northern Territory Government last month.

Half of those are to search in the Angela and Pamela deposits.

Several companies, most of them Chinese, have applied for the exploration licences, which will allow them to search for all base metals.

Mines Minister Chris Natt says the applications are important for the NT economy.

"The Territory economy is really going ahead," he said.

"It's not only mining, there's a number of other areas.

"Mining obviously is posing an important part and we want it to continue that way - it's going to mean more jobs for Territorians."

The Government says it will be up to 18 months until the successful applicants are announced.