Batchelor uranium mine threat to horticulture and tourism.

The Environment Centre of the NT (ECNT) is extremely concerned about Compass Resources’ claims that it can develop a uranium mine at Mt Fitch, near Batchelor in the NT, by 2008.

“There are a lot of people in the Batchelor region who are opposed to the expansion of uranium mining,” local horticulturalist Mark Hawkins said. “The EPA has stated that the Compass Resources oxide project would be potentially drawing in excess of 1 million litres of water per hour from the local aquifer. This would have crippling long-term effects on the local horticultural industry. Uranium mining uses even more water, and if allowed to go ahead could be the final nail in the coffin for local growers.”

The development of the Batchelor region into a uranium mining hub is also likely to have negative impacts on local tourism.

“Rum Jungle mine has already left a legacy of radioactive and other pollution, not only on site but downstream along the Finniss River ”, ECNT uranium campaigner Emma King said.

“Uranium mining releases a number of radioactive isotopes into the environment. This proposed mine is only 3 kilometres from the Darwin River Dam drinking water catchment, and could also pollute the local aquifer.”

Kungarakun traditional custodian Speedy McGuiness, who attended a national environment conference last week, said: “There is widespread national opposition to the expansion of uranium mining in Australia . If Compass tries to go ahead with this project, there will be overwhelming support for local opposition to the mine.”

Contrary to media reports, the federal government cannot unilaterally approve new uranium mines in the NT – it must rely on NT legislation for the grant of an operating license and mine regulation. The ECNT calls on the NT government stand by its no new mines policy and refuse to allow the Commonwealth to use NT laws to facilitate the opening of this dirty and dangerous project.

For more information and comment:

Emma King 0428 818 109 / 8981 1984

Speedy McGinness 8976 0386 / 0427 514 258

Mark Hawkins 8976 0558