A spokesperson for the Traditional Owners of Ranger uranium mine has congratulated mining company ERA for working directly with local people on issues that may come up as the project changes direction.

Open cut operations at the mine will end this year, and construction of a tunnel to explore underground is due to begin in May.

Energy Resources of Australia expects to begin under ground mining by 2014.

Justin O'Brien is the executive officer of the Gunjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation which represents the local Mirarr people, and he says the company should be congratulated for their efforts.

"The time for rehabilitation of the pit is upon us," he says.

"The actions the mining company takes from now on... need to be very mindful and focussed on rehabilitation requirements."

Mining at Ranger must cease by 2021, with rehabilitation complete by 2026.

But Justin O'Brien says that doesn't mean just a five-year window for repairing the site, as there are decisions being made now which will help future efforts.

He says a good example is the ground water review study, which was suggested by the corporation, and has led to 80 new bores for monitoring the impact of the tailings storage facility on ground water.

There will also be an economic impact on local people as the mining operations change.

While the corporation is increasingly funded by government and philanthropic sources, the vast majority of income derives from mining royalties.

"It's no surprise to us that we're at this point. We've been planning for it, but of course that is the other major implication," he says.

And regardless of past conflict, current environmental concerns, or future challenges - Justin O'Brien speaks highly of ERA for the way they've gone about business.

"It's important to note at this point I think, that ERA are to be congratulated for dealing directly with Traditional Owners, and their community organisation the Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation.

"To that extent I think the company needs to be congratulated for acknowledging that they're dealing with a real community of people, not this arcane land rights question."