Territory environment groups today voiced concern that the proposed Nolan’s Bore mine near Aileron would involve production of uranium if given the green light by the NT Government.

 

Arafura Resources have submitted a notice of intent for the rare earth project, which they estimate will also produce about 200 tonnes of uranium per year.

 

The Arid Lands Environment Centre and Environment Centre of the Northern Territory strongly oppose any new uranium developments in the Territory and will be asking the Government not to accept the application.

 

The notice of intent submitted to the NT Government does not outline where the company will process the uranium, and a proposal for this to be done adjacent to Darwin Harbour has alarmed traditional owners and environment groups.

 

Larrakia Nation Governing Committee and Larrakia Harbour Committee have spoken out against the proposal and unanimously passed a motion on October 24, 2007, which was sent to the NT Government, opposing the location of a rare earths (and uranium) processing plant adjacent to Darwin Harbour.

 

Natalie Wasley from the Arid Lands Environment Centre stated “The uranium component of this rare earth operation should not be played down. Every stage of the nuclear chain, starting with uranium mining, produces highly radioactive waste materials that require monitoring and containment for thousands of years”.

 

Ms Wasley added “Uranium is a by-product of the rare earth operation, and should be left in the ground. Territory environment groups call upon the government to reject the Arafura Resources application”.

 

Charles Roche, ECNT coordinator: If the NTG thinks that Territorians will accept a uranium processing plant adjacent to Darwin Harbour, then they are clearly out of touch”