AN ENVIRONMENTAL group has condemned a government decision to explore for uranium in a water catchment area.

Arid Lands Environment Centre co-ordinator Jimmy Cocking said the NT Government's decision to let Cameco drill in the Alice Springs catchment boundary was based on economics, not community and social well-being.

``It shows contempt for the residents of Alice Springs, who have clearly expressed opposition,'' he said. He said the drilling had started before the mine's environmental management plan had been approved.