Uranium mine caused abnormal salt levels in Kakadu creek

ABC News Online

The company that operates the Ranger uranium mine has confirmed higher-than-normal salt levels in a creek in Kakadu National Park is a result of its operations.

Energy Resources of Australia (ERA) has investigated two salinity spikes in Magela Creek downstream of the mine in April.

Chief executive Rob Atkinson says run-off water from the mine had flowed into the creek.

He says ERA is consulting stakeholders to prevent it from happening again.

"We've got a few concepts and we've trialled a few things but we need to work through those with our regulators and stakeholders," he said.

Meanwhile, Mr Atkinson says he hopes Prime Minister Kevin Rudd makes a stop in the Northern Territory to discuss the proposed super profits tax.

Kevin Rudd travelled to Western Australia and Queensland this week to consult the mining industry about the tax.

"Obviously the NT's economy really relies on the mining and resources industry," Mr Atkinson said.

"We play a very significant part in not only the economy, but the social fabric of the Northern Territory.

"So I really do hope that the Prime Minister does find the time to come up and speak to the mining industry of the Northern Territory as well."


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