Friday 21 April 2006
ECNT

The Environment Centre of the NT (ECNT) is concerned that the application for a mineral exploration license over Litchfield National Park could see this iconic tourist destination turned into a radioactive tailings dam.

"Litchfield National Park is an important and much loved area of environmental and cultural significance," ECNT Uranium Campaigner Emma King said.

"No exploration license should be granted over this Park, which is important not only for the tourism industry, but for the many Top End residents who visit the Park regularly.

"The Park is already surrounded by applications for, or granted, exploration licenses, held by companies with stated interests in uranium. Any exploration in the Park is a concern, but uranium exploration brings a whole new set of issues into the picture."

While at this early stage, the applicant does not have to indicate what they are exploring for, there are a number of causes of concern. David Alan Zohar has applied for the grant of exploration license, # 25298, over an area covering the entire Park. Mr Zohar is also executive director of Red River Resources, a company which has uranium interests in the Yeleerie area of Western Australia.

It is also a concern that Mr Zohar and Swancove Enterprises Pty Ltd were investigated by ASIC in 2005. The regulator took action against them in the Federal Court in Perth based on the investigation's finding that Zohar and Swancove sent unsolicited letters to over 55,000 people containing recommendations intended to influence them to acquire shares in companies including Red River Resources.

"It's my understanding that the application must be referred to Parks and Wildlife for comment before any public comment is called for," Ms King said.

"It is ECNT's hope that they will emphatically recommend that no exploration be allowed in the Park, and that the Mining Minister Mr Vatskalis will act on this recommendation and refuse the application."