Mirarr join Federal Court Action on Jabiluka

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Yvonne Margarula, representing the Mirarr Traditional Owners of the Jabiluka site, has joined the Federal Court action brought by mining company Energy Resources of Australia. The action is a challenge to the recent Northern Territory Government decision to refuse an extension of the uranium mining lease at Jabiluka.

Having been publicly opposed to mining at Jabiluka for decades, the Mirarr Traditional Owners believe they are more directly affected by this case than anyone else. As Traditional Owners, Mirarr speak for that country with great cultural authority. This also carries great responsibility and Mirarr want to ensure the court has all the facts when it considers this challenge.

While governments, Ministers and mining executives have come and gone, Mirarr connection endures founded on deep cultural knowledge of the land. Jabiluka is unlike any other proposed mining location as it is rich in ancient rock art, sacred sites and includes the earliest known human occupation archaeological site. It is a widely appreciated cultural treasure of international significance that should be protected for all Australians.

Mirarr have long waited for the end of the Jabiluka lease and have had years of discussion with ERA and its many representatives. Many public statements throughout the term of the lease made the opposition to mining absolutely clear. A simple internet search asking “Do the Mirarr support Jabiluka?” delivers hundreds of examples of news articles, public statements, academic papers and more all referencing Mirarr opposition to mining at this extraordinary site. The decision to let the mineral lease expire is in line with Mirarr wishes and makes good sense.

Mirarr Senior Traditional Owner Yvonne Margarula said today: “I was very happy when I heard that the government would let the mining lease finish at Jabiluka. I’m worried about what will happen if the mining lease keeps going. I want to get the rangers there, the young Mirarr generation. They have to start looking after the country properly. All the sites need to be checked and the bim (rock art) has to be looked after properly. But our next generation needs us to teach them. If we wait any longer, who will teach them? We are the ones that lived on that country, we walked by foot with our mum and dad and our grandmothers right across Jabiluka.

Gundjeihmi [Aboriginal Corporation] (GAC), has been writing letters to the government in Canberra about this. For years this has been going on. We asked them to get ready to make Jabiluka national park. That was what my dad was promised, that it would all be Kakadu National Park one day. Well, I'm ready now. Nobody is mining there, nothing. They should just go away, now, before it's too late.”

For background or photos contact: Kirsten Blair 0412 853 641