ERA pushes uranium mine

ERA pushes uranium mine

The chief executive of uranium mining company Energy Resources of Australia said last week that the company will push ahead with plans for a mine at Jabiluka in the Kakadu region despite traditional owners' opposition. Phillip Shirvington said ERA ruled out any further deferment of the project.

"ERA's statement is both an act of deepest cynicism and the sign of a company that is increasingly concerned by the continuing strong opposition to this proposal", said Australian Conservation Foundation spokesperson Dave Sweeney.

According to ACF, previous company statements had aimed at demonstrating "corporate concern", such as its media release and stock exchange announcement last October which said: "We have always negotiated in good faith with the traditional owners", adding, "we respect the rights of Aboriginal land owners and are hopeful of obtaining consent for the proposal".

ACF condemned the company's disregard for the region's traditional owners and the wider Australian environmental assessment process. n

From GLW issue 276