Ranger breach upsets indigenous group
The Rio subsidiary that operates Ranger, Energy Resources of Australia, has confirmed that a vehicle used within the mine was taken out of controlled areas, sparking contamination fears among the nearby Mirrar people.
Police are investigating the incident, which took place without the consent of ERA management in the early hours of Sunday morning, and which some believe may be a breach of the company's authorisation to mine.
Like all uranium mines, Ranger operates under strict conditions to ensure dangerous levels of uranium do not contaminate the nearby area.
ERA said the car - which was supposed to remain inside the mine at all times - had been checked and was "free of contamination".
But Justin O'Brien, who represents the Mirrar people, said it had caused great concern among the local community.
"We think it is very serious that you could take potentially contaminated material from an operational mine site, avoid all scrutiny, leave the mine site with it and then be found down the highway," he said. "There needs to be a broader inquiry into how on earth this could happen in the first place."
ERA's relationship with the Mirrar people is crucial to its survival, given the company has agreed not to restart mining at Ranger without approval from the group.
Ranger ceased operating as an open-cut mine last year, and its only future lies in winning approval to become an underground mine in coming years.
The nearby Jabiluka uranium deposit will also not be mined until the Mirrar people give their full support, something that appears unlikely any time soon.
The Mirrar people had recently spoken of their improving relationship with ERA and Rio, which was given a boost in September when ERA installed a $220 million water purification system on site.
But Mr O'Brien said incidents like the one at the weekend did not help Rio's chances of winning further approvals to mine.
"It can only stress the relationship, it can only challenge the relationship and the test is how the company responds to this in terms of its management of the investigation and its response with the contractor," he said.
Australian Conservation Foundation spokesman Dave Sweeney said it was not the first breach at Ranger, and it was time for Rio Tinto to "reconsider the project".
Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…
The safety breach at the Ranger uranium mine was caused by a vehicle being taken out of controlled areas without consent, sparking contamination fears among the nearby Mirrar people.
The safety breach at the Ranger uranium mine was caused by a vehicle being taken out of controlled areas without consent, sparking contamination fears among the nearby Mirrar people.
The safety breach at the Ranger mine has strained the relationship with the Mirrar people, who are concerned about potential contamination and are crucial to the mine's future operations.
The safety breach has strained the relationship with the Mirrar people, as it raised concerns about potential contamination and highlighted issues with mine management and oversight.
Uranium mines like Ranger operate under strict conditions to ensure that dangerous levels of uranium do not contaminate the nearby area, although breaches can still occur.
Uranium mines like Ranger operate under strict conditions to ensure that dangerous levels of uranium do not contaminate the nearby area, including controlled access and regular contamination checks.
The Ranger uranium mine ceased operating as an open-cut mine last year, and its future depends on gaining approval to become an underground mine, which requires the support of the Mirrar people.
The Ranger uranium mine ceased operating as an open-cut mine last year, and its future depends on gaining approval to transition to an underground mine.
The Mirrar people have significant influence over the future of the Ranger and Jabiluka uranium deposits, as mining cannot proceed without their full support and approval.
The approval of the Mirrar people is crucial because the company has agreed not to restart mining at Ranger without their consent, and their support is necessary for any future mining projects.
The relationship between Energy Resources of Australia and the Mirrar people had been improving, especially after the installation of a $220 million water purification system, but recent incidents have strained this progress.
A $220 million water purification system was installed at the Ranger mine, which had recently improved the relationship with the Mirrar people before the safety breach occurred.
Following the Ranger mine safety breach, police are investigating the incident, and the company is expected to manage the investigation and respond appropriately to maintain its relationship with the Mirrar people.
The safety breach could negatively impact Rio Tinto's chances of winning further mining approvals, as it stresses and challenges the relationship with the Mirrar people.
The Australian Conservation Foundation has expressed concerns about the Ranger mine, noting that this is not the first breach and suggesting that Rio Tinto should reconsider the project.
The Australian Conservation Foundation has expressed concern over the safety breaches at Ranger and suggests that Rio Tinto should reconsider the project.
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