NT: Environmentalists slam mining application for Kakadu
18 Mar 2009 2:32 AM
Environmentalists say they are aghast about plans by a uranium mine in Kakadu to build a controversial facility .. only three days after news broke it had been leaking contaminantes into the national park.
The Ranger mine .. owned by Energy Resources Australia .. has lodged separate applications with the federal and Northern Territory governments .. to build a heap leach facility to treat 10 million tonnes of low grade material each year.
Australian Conservation Foundation campaigner DAVE SWEENEY says the method relies on sulfuric acid to extract the ore.
Mr SWEENEY says the ERA plan involves increased contamination .. and would mean a significant increase in chemicals with significant implications.
Mr SWEENEY is calling on both governments to reject the application.
