Fed: NT gives go-ahead for Jabiluka mine cleanup

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Fed: NT gives go-ahead for Jabiluka mine cleanup

The Northern Territory government has approved a cleanup of the controversial Jabilukauranium mine, ending a long row which pitted conservation groups and Aboriginal peopleagainst mining company ERA.

Under the cleanup program, Energy Resources Australia will backfill the 1.8 kilometredecline next to the world heritage-listed Kakadu National Park.

ERA -- which is majority owned by mining giant Rio Tinto -- will retain the lease on the mine.

But it will sign a formal agreement with the traditional owners, the Mirrar people,undertaking no future development without their explicit permission.

ERA chief executive BOB CLEARY has welcomed the Northern Territory government's approvalof the company's plan, as have environment groups and the local people.

AAP RTV mb/sb/dl/rca

KEYWORD: JABILUKA (CANBERRA)