The Kakadu National Park will be enhanced after the Federal Government announced it would not renew the Jabiluka Mineral Lease.
Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Madeleine King said the decision meant the Northern Territory Government could decline to extend the lease of the Jabiluka uranium project.
Minister King said the Federal Government would now begin the process of incorporating the site to the Kakadu National Park, one of Australia’s most iconic national parks, in line with the wishes of the Mirarr Traditional Owners.
She said the decision ended decades of uncertainty about the project.
“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.
“I have met with all significant stakeholders in the Jabiluka Mineral Lease. This decision provides clarity and certainty to all parties.”
Minister King said Jabiluka contained outstanding and extensive rock art, shelters and paintings that were recognised as among the longest historical records of any group of people on earth.
Senior Traditional Owner of Jabiluka Yvonne Margarula said Jabiluka was a significant place for Mirrar people.
“It is the site of strong cultural significance – a place we have fought to protect.”
Minister King said Energy Resources Australia (ERA) had held the licence of the Jabiluka site since 1991, but no mine has been developed.
She said Jabiluka sits alongside the former Ranger Uranium Mine, which was also owned by ERA and their major shareholder, Rio Tinto, and had been in rehabilitation since 2021.
“The decision will not impact Australian uranium supplies to customers as the Jabiluka site has never been mined,” she said.
