NT: Environmentalist slam mining application for Kakadu
17 Mar 2009 4:11 PM
Environmentalists say they're aghast a uranium mine in Kakadu has applied to build a controversial facility .. only three days after it emerged it's been leaking into the national park.
The Ranger mine .. owned by Energy Resources Australia .. yesterday lodged separate applications with the Federal and Northern Territory governments.
It's seeking to build a heap leach facility to treat 10 million tonnes of low grade material each year .. producing between 15 to 20 thousand tonnes of uranium oxide.
Australian Conservation Foundation campaigner DAVE SWEENEY says the method relies on sulfuric acid to extract the ore .. and would have very significant implications.
Mr SWEENEY's calling on both governments to reject the application .. along with another application to expand the mine.
