The Northern Territory (NT) Government in Australia has denied the renewal of a mining lease to Energy Resources of Australia (ERA), a Rio Tinto-controlled company, for the Jabiluka uranium deposit beneath Kakadu National Park.

This decision, based on the federal government’s advice, marks the end of long-standing controversy over uranium mining at the project.

In March 2024, ERA sought to extend its 42-year lease on the Jabiluka Uranium mine for another ten years.

The existing lease is set to expire in August 2024, with the renewal intended to continue the agreement with the Mirarr Traditional Owners, which includes their right to veto any development of the Jabiluka deposit.

However, the NT Government in Australia cited the strict regulatory requirements associated with uranium, a prescribed substance, as a basis for the decision, ensuring that all appropriate procedures were adhered to by both the NT and Commonwealth Governments.

The site will now become part of the Kakadu National Park.

NT Mining Minister Mark Monaghan said: “We have gone through a thorough process to ensure that all stakeholder views have been considered in this decision.

“The Federal Government advice, along with the wishes of the Mirarr people, were critical to this process and outcome.”

Expressing disappointment over the decision, ERA said it is “assessing the options available”.

The NT government had previously announced in May that a Reserved Land area would be established, prohibiting any future mineral title applications over the Jabiluka area once the current lease expires.

This Reserved Land area will take effect upon the lease's expiration on 11 August 2024, effectively preventing any new applications for mineral titles in the area while it is in place.