The federal government has advised the Northern Territory government not to renew the Jabiluka Mineral Lease, paving the way for its incorporation into Kakadu National Park. The lease, held by Energy Resources Australia (ERA) since 1991, is set to expire on August 11. Despite holding the licence for over three decades, no mining has occurred at the site. Federal Government Moves to Protect Jabiluka Mineral Lease
Jabiluka, situated next to the former Ranger Uranium Mine—also owned by ERA and its major shareholder Rio Tinto—has been a focus of rehabilitation efforts since 2021. The decision to not renew the lease aligns with the wishes of the Mirarr Traditional Owners and will not affect Australian uranium supplies.
Cultural Significance and Environmental Protection
The federal government plans to incorporate Jabiluka into Kakadu National Park, honoring the cultural significance of the site to the Mirarr people. Senior Traditional Owner Yvonne Margarula emphasized the importance of Jabiluka, stating, “Jabiluka is a significant place for Mirarr people. It is a site of strong cultural significance—a place we have fought to protect.”
Margarula expressed gratitude to those who have supported the Mirarr’s efforts over the past 30 years, ensuring the protection of Jabiluka.
Long-Standing Campaign and Government Support
This decision follows a prolonged campaign by the Mirarr and the Northern Land Council against uranium mining on their sacred land. In May, the Northern Territory government announced the establishment of a Reserved Land area to prevent future mineral title applications over Jabiluka once the lease expires.
Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Madeleine King remarked that the decision ends decades of uncertainty. “ERA and their major shareholder, Rio Tinto, rightly committed to not developing the site without the support of the Mirarr Traditional Owners, who are completely opposed to the renewal of the lease,” she said. “This decision provides clarity and certainty to all parties.”
Future of Jabiluka
The Northern Territory government has stated that the future use of the site will be determined by the federal government in consultation with key stakeholders. The Australian Conservation Foundation praised the decision as a significant victory for the Mirarr Traditional Owners and conservation efforts in Kakadu National Park.
Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek highlighted the government’s commitment to preserving Australia’s natural heritage. “Labor protected Macquarie Island, Kakadu, the Daintree, and the Great Barrier Reef. Today, we are expanding on that legacy,” she said. “Kakadu is one of our most precious places—its rock art documents Indigenous creation stories and represents one of the longest historical records of any group of people in the world. We’ll work alongside Mirarr Traditional Owners who have successfully looked after this land for tens of thousands of years.”
The incorporation of Jabiluka into Kakadu National Park marks a significant step in preserving the cultural and environmental heritage of one of Australia’s most treasured landscapes.
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Source: https://nit.com.au/29-07-2024/12767/Jabiluka-to-join-Kakadu-National-Park-following-lease-decision
