1 ARRTC Overall objective To undertake relevant research that will generate knowledge leading to improved management and protection of the ARR and monitoring that will be sufficiently sensitive to assess whether or not the environment is protected to the high standard demanded by the Australian Government and community. Background In assessing the Key Knowledge Needs for research and monitoring in the Alligator Rivers Region, ARRTC has taken into account current mining plans in the region and the standards for environmental protection and rehabilitation determined by the Australian Government. The assumptions made for uranium mining operations in the region are: mining of uranium at Ranger ceased in 2012. This will be followed by milling about 2020 and final rehabilitation expected to be completed by about 2026. Nabarlek is decommissioned but has not reached a status where the NT Government will agree to issue a Revegetation Certificate to the mine operator. Assessment of the success of rehabilitation at Nabarlek is ongoing and may provide valuable data for consideration in the design and implementation of rehabilitation at Ranger. Jabiluka will remain in a care and maintenance condition for some years. ERA, the project owner, has stated that further mining will not occur without the agreement of the traditional owners; and grant of an exploration title at Koongarra is required under the terms of the Aboriginal before the mining company can apply for a Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976 mining title. As such, any future activity at Koongarra is subject to the agreement of the traditional owners and the Northern Land Council. This scenario is considered to be a reasonable on which to base plans for research and monitoring, but such plans may need to be amended if mining plans change in the future. ARRTC will ensure the research and monitoring strategy is flexible enough to accommodate any new knowledge needs. The Australian Government has specified primary and secondary environmental objectives for mining at Ranger in the Ranger Environmental Requirements. Similar standards would be expected for any future mining development at Jabiluka or Koongarra. Specifically, under the Ranger Environmental Requirements (ERs):
1 ARRTC Overall objective To undertake relevant research that will generate knowledge leading to improved management and protection of the ARR and monitoring that will be sufficiently sensitive to assess whether or not the environment is protected to the high standard demanded by the Australian Government and community. Background In assessing the Key Knowledge Needs for research and monitoring in the Alligator Rivers Region, ARRTC has taken into account current mining plans in the region and the standards for environmental protection and rehabilitation determined by the Australian Government. The assumptions made for uranium mining operations in the region are: mining of uranium at Ranger ceased in 2012. This will be followed by milling about 2020 and final rehabilitation expected to be completed by about 2026. Nabarlek is decommissioned but has not reached a status where the NT Government will agree to issue a Revegetation Certificate to the mine operator. Assessment of the success of rehabilitation at Nabarlek is ongoing and may provide valuable data for consideration in the design and implementation of rehabilitation at Ranger. Jabiluka will remain in a care and maintenance condition for some years. ERA, the project owner, has stated that further mining will not occur without the agreement of the traditional owners; and grant of an exploration title at Koongarra is required under the terms of the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976 before the mining company can apply for a mining title. As such, any future activity at Koongarra is subject to the agreement of the traditional owners and the Northern Land Council. This scenario is considered to be a reasonable on which to base plans for research and monitoring, but such plans may need to be amended if mining plans change in the future. ARRTC will ensure the research and monitoring strategy is flexible enough to accommodate any new knowledge needs. The Australian Government has specified primary and secondary environmental objectives for mining at Ranger in the Ranger Environmental Requirements. Similar standards would be expected for any future mining development at Jabiluka or Koongarra. Specifically, under the Ranger Environmental Requirements (ERs):
ss-annual-report-13-14.docx