Mining

17 April 2003

Plunder Down Under?

Rio Tinto Urged to Clean up Controversial Uranium Mine

Leading Australian environmental groups have called on British mining giant Rio Tinto to deliver on a commitment by its Chairman Sir Robert Wilson to rehabilitate the stalled and controversial Jabiluka uranium mine site inside the World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory.

Last year Sir Robert Wilson gave an unequivocal commitment on BBC television's HARDtalk program to rehabilitate Jabiluka and to not develop the project without the consent of the region's Mirrar traditional Aboriginal owners. Since that time the company has failed to give effect to either promise.

Today's call comes as Rio Tinto holds its Annual General Meeting in London. Rio owns 68% of Energy Resources of Australia (ERA) the company pushing to develop Jabiluka, despite strong opposition from the Mirrar and the wider Australian community. Rio Tinto, which dominates the ERA Board and management, will hold an Australian AGM in Perth on May 1.

"Rio Tinto have said good words but have taken no action and this is not good enough," said Australian Conservation Foundation spokesperson Dave Sweeney. "Australians view Jabiluka as Rio Tinto's key credibility test and so far they are well below par."

The struggle over uranium mining at Jabiluka has been one of the most extensive environmental battles in Australia and has included a peaceful blockade of the site involving over 5000 people, legal challenges and continuing investigation by the Australian Parliament and UNESCO's World Heritage Committee.

"Jabiluka is in the midst of Australia's largest National Park and is one of the world's truly unique regions," said Friends of the Earth Australia spokesperson Bruce Thompson. "We are committed to protecting this area from the lasting ravages of uranium mining." The Mirrar people have also previously received an award from Friends of the Earth International for their struggle.

Australian environmental groups took their call to Rio Tinto to act on Jabiluka to last years World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg and are continuing to pursue a resolution to the issue through UNESCO and other international forums as well as through focused campaigning in Australia.

"Rio Tinto can no longer hide from scrutiny or continue to shirk its responsibilities and promises," said Mark Wakeham from the Environment Centre of the Northern Territory. "From Jo'berg to Darwin and from London to Perth we will track this company on this issue. Rio Tinto must act to prove that its stated commitment to sustainability is more than company rhetoric. It has said it will clean up Jabiluka and respect the wishes of the Mirrar – now it must do so."

For further information or comment contact:
Dave Sweeney Australian - Conservation Foundation
Mob: 0408 317 812
Bruce Thompson - Friends of the Earth
Mob: 0417 318 368
Peter Robertson - Environment Centre NT
Mob: 0412 853 641
Email: ecnt@octa4.net.au

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