DEBATE is heating up over one of Central Australia's biggest uranium deposits.

Anti-uranium lobby groups will not rule out major protests against exploration at the Angela Pamela sites 25km south of town.

Exploration rights for the area - which could be worth up to $2.5 billion - were jointly awarded to Canadian mining giant Cameco Corporation and Perth-based company Paladin Energy in February.

Cameco's regional manager Jennifer Parks arrived in town this week for talks with traditional owners and the Arid Lands Environment Centre.

She said she wanted to talk to locals about their concerns.

She said: "We are well aware there is a strong anti-uranium sector in Alice Springs.

"We wanted to meet with people to try to dispel some of the fears about radiation and uranium.

"There will be an ongoing community liaison program to provide feedback to the community.''

Ms Parks also said drilling work would not start for several months.

But Natalie Wasley from the Beyond Nuclear Initiative said they were "highly disappointed'' with Cameco's plans.

She said: "We are concerned about the site's close proximity to the town's water catchment area.''

Ms Parks said there was currently no evidence that the proposed drilling sites would have an effect on the aquifer.

But Cameco's first priority will be to start various environmental surveys in the area.

Ms Wasley said local community groups had now started to "come together'' to start a local campaign.

She said: "We haven't decided yet if there will be any protests or demonstrations.

"But we do hope the Northern Territory Government listens to the community's concerns.

"We would also like to be kept updated on what is happening out at Angela Pamela.''

Ms Wasley said the meeting with Cameco had not eased their concerns.

She said: "They didn't have a lot of information about what the project might look like.

"But it's good that they're willing to speak and engage with people.''