THE Northern Territory Government has released draft guidelines for an environmental impact statement into BHP Billiton's plan to export uranium-bearing concentrates from Darwin.

BHP already exports uranium concentrate from Darwin in sealed 200-litre drums. However, the new plan would also involve exporting copper concentrates bearing uranium.

"The copper concentrate will be transported in sealed rail wagons on dedicated wagon rolling stock,'' the guidelines state.

Comments on the EIS guidelines can be submitted to the NT Government by October 31.

The public will also be able to comment when the draft EIS is submitted by BHP and put out for public comment.