Mining

Below is an overview of some the important mining issues in the Northern Territory:

Mining a river? The proposed McArthur River mine expansion

In February 2003 MIM, now owned by Xstrata, announced their intention to expand their McArthur River mine. The McArthur River mine is located in the gulf country of the NT around 60 km from the township of Borroloola. The proposal is one of the most damaging mining proposals ever seen in northern Australia.

See: McArthur River

Mining in National Parks in the NT

BIG NEWS was the Territory Labor party's complete backdown from its pre-election (2001) promise to ban mining and mineral exploration in National Parks. The Environment Centre of the Northern Territory (ECNT) surveyed all parties on a range of environmental issues prior to 2001's Territory election.

See: National Parks

Mine Site Rehabilitation

It should be simple. A mining company finishes mining an ore-body. It then implements the rehabilitation plan. All environmental and safety hazards are removed from the site and the area is returned to a 'natural' state. Then the site is decommissioned and returned to the landholders. Why then has rehabilitation of mine sites been so unsuccessful in the Northern Territory?

See: Rehabilitation

Uranium Mining in the NT

Most of Australia's uranium is concentrated in the Top End, in the ruggedly beautiful Alligator Rivers area east of Darwin. Most of the Alligator Rivers Region falls within Kakadu National Park. The largest single deposit is Jabiluka which ERA is now planning to mine.

See: Uranium Mining

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