Plans for uranium mining by COGEMA

The COGEMA group is currently evaluating three uranium deposits, Koongarra in the Northern Territory and Manyingee and Oobagooma in WA, with regard to their development potential. The Koongarra deposit, with some 14,000 tonnes of contained U3O8, is the most advanced, as detailed mining plans and an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) had been prepared by previous holders of the deposit. An agreement with the Aboriginal Land Owners of the area had also been negotiated with the Northern Land Council, but had not been ratified by the then Commonwealth Government. The sandstone-hosted deposits at Manyingee and Oobagooma contain resources of about 7000 tonne and 10,000 tonne of U3O8 respectively. It is possible that the deposits are amenable to in situ leaching techniques, and this - together with a determination of possible additional field investigations - is being evaluated. COGEMA, through its subsidiary AFmeco Mining and EXploration Pty Ltd, is furthermore embarking upon a sizeable exploration program in West Arnhem Land, Northern Territory. The exploration interests include geological units which are considered to be prospective for world-class uranium deposits