Historic decision in Australia: stop uranium mining on their sacred lands

The Federal Government has ordered an end to the land leasing program for the Jabiluka uranium deposit, ensuring that mining will never occur on land owned by the Mirarr people. The mining concession had been held for 42 years by Energy Resources of Australia (ERA)

The Northern Territory Government has made a landmark decision by rejecting Energy Resources Australia’s application for a 10-year lease renewal for the Jabiluka uranium mine.

This decision permanently establishes a ban on uranium extraction at the indigenous site near Kakadu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is twice the size of Yellowstone.

“We have always said no to this mine. The government and mining companies told us they would exploit it, but we stayed strong and said no. Today, we are very happy that Jabiluka will be safe forever. Protecting the land is very important to my family and me,” said representatives from the Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation, which represents the Mirarr people. The Mirarr have been the traditional custodians of Jabiluka and have fought against uranium mining activities for decades.

Lease expiry marks the end of mining threat

Once the current lease expires on August 11, Jabiluka will be forever free from the threat of mining. The government will work with the Mirarr to incorporate Jabiluka into Kakadu National Park.

In 2017, archaeologists discovered a buried treasure of axes and stone tools near the Jabiluka site, dating back tens of thousands of years.

One of the world’s largest uranium deposits

Discovered in the early 1970s, the Jabiluka uranium deposit is one of the largest in the world, according to the World Nuclear Association. The preservation of indigenous sites has been under intense scrutiny in Australia, especially after mining company Rio Tinto destroyed the 50,000-year-old rock shelters at Juukan Gorge in 2020.