Claims about mining Jabiluka are bogus
Publish Date:
19th July 2024
Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation, representing the Mirarr Traditional Owners of the Jabiluka mineral lease, has today called on both sides of Territory politics to end bogus speculation about uranium mining at Jabiluka ahead of the Territory election.
Minority shareholders of Energy Resources of Australia (ERA) have been whipping up speculation about mining the Jabiluka deposit despite there being absolutely no genuine proposal to mine there. Recent Sky and NT News coverage has reported baseless assertions that mining at Jabiluka could happen within years when the truth is that no work has been done to prepare for any mining at Jabiluka.
Mirarr Senior Traditional Owner Yvonne Margarula said:
“This should stop. Mirarr have asked Chief Minister Lawler and Mines Minister Monahan to end talk about mining at Jabiluka by ensuring the mineral lease ends. No one has talked to us about any plan to mine at Jabiluka.”
Gundjeihmi CEO Thalia van den Boogaard said:
“This speculation is causing Traditional Owners distress and Mirarr call on both the government and the opposition to clearly commit to the protection and integrity of Kakadu National Park. The protection of Kakadu National Park is important to all Territorians and not the place for fake projects and hedge fund investors.
“ERA’s sole focus at present is the massive clean up effort at the former Ranger site, the projected cost of which continues to skyrocket. The recent wild claims about Jabiluka have nothing to do with any possible uranium mine but everything to do with minor shareholders wanting to artificially inflate the value of their ERA shares for their own benefit.”
Next generation Mirarr Traditional Owner Corben Mudjandi said:
“ERA is in deep financial trouble but its shareholders are fighting to get their money back. We know the Jabiluka mining lease can’t be extended. Mirarr have always said we will never agree to uranium mining at Jabiluka. This is sacred country and needs protection. It’s inside Kakadu National Park which is one of the country’s most important World Heritage Areas. It’s madness to talk about a new uranium mine in Kakadu.”
ERA has applied to extent the Jabiluka mineral lease by a further ten years. The decision to refuse the extension and for the lease to expire as scheduled on 11 August 2024 is expected in the coming weeks.
For background, to arrange interviews or photos contact: Kirsten Blair 0412 853 641