Ranger discovers 40,000 tonnes on doorstep

THE announcement that the world's largest producing uranium mine could get bigger has been welcomed in the Territory town of Jabiru.

Energy Resources Australia has found up to 40,000 tonnes of uranium oxide next to the Ranger open-cut mine.

Former Jabiru Town Council chairman Ian Newnham said the company's announcement was good for the community.

"The deposit of the ore is of tremendous economic potential, but has to go through all of the processes of the land-lease," Mr Newnham said.

"ERA is a big part of Jabiru - it's an excellent thing for the town."

"However, it has to be brought into focus of the legal requirements of the town."

"To be realised, all of those legal requirements have tobe addressed."

"ERA is a very valued citizen of the town - I am sure they will be wanting to move forward at some stage if they can."

Mr Newnham said the mine was operating on a land-lease arrangement which will need to be reassessed again.

"It really will mean a massive amount of commitment," he said.

"ERA has been operating for 25 years under the most stringent of mine controls in the world.

"They have done an excellent job in what could be adverse situations - they have been put to the test and have come up very well."

West Arnhem Shire president Ralph Blyth said he was not able to make comment about the announcement as he was still settling into the position.

Shire councillor Donna Iddon welcomed the discovery of the ore body.

She said it was great for Jabiru, but much needed to happen before long-term planning begins.

Ranger mine produces 11 per cent of the world's uranium.

The expansion could see the mine operating for another five or six years.