The Northern Territory's Uranium Industry: Past, Present and Future

Uranium and the Northern Territory (NT) of Australia have a long historical association. Currently, all phases of the uranium production cycle are active throughout the NT. More than 65 exploration authorizations under the Mining Management Act refer to uranium as the mineral of interest. Several of these prospects could be developed within the next few years. Also, the world's fifth largest operating uranium mine (ERA's Ranger Mine) is currently undertaking a significant exploration programme. In addition, there are remediated sites from earlier cycles of uranium production as well as some legacy sites that are the subject of active characterization and planning for remediation. The paper provides an overview of the NT's uranium mining history and the current situation in the industry locally, before commenting on the future for the industry and briefly explaining the current regulatory process operated by the NT Government's Department of Mines and Energy. (author)