Australian uranium miner Energy Resources of Australia Ltd. (ERA.AU) said Tuesday it expects to report a first half net loss of between 30 million and 50 million Australian dollars after wet weather forced a suspension of processing.

The company, which is majority owned by Rio Tinto (RIO.AU), said in a statement the suspension of processing plant operations at its Ranger mine in the Northern Territory would be extended until late July 2011 to allow water levels to fall.

"The Ranger mine has recorded the third highest wet season on record with a total rainfall of 2,390.4 millimetres from Sept. 1, 2010 until today," ERA said.

The company said the expected net loss for the six months to June 30 compared with a net profit for the same period last year of A$22.7 million.

The annoucement came as the company said uranium oxide production for the three months to March 31 was 518 tons, down 42% on year because of the processing suspension.

ERA said production for 2011 is expected to be about 2,400 tons of uranium oxide, down from the previous expectation that it would be in the vicinity of 2010's 3,793 tons.

"Taking into account the extension of the suspension of processing operations, the additional supply requirements necessary to meet ERA's 2011 sales commitments of approximately 4,500 tons will be met by purchased material," the company said.

"In light of this continued suspension, which has occurred immediately after a very challenging 2010, a comprehensive business review of ERA's current operations and future projects is well underway."