NT Government Puts Jabiluka Uranium Site on Hold in Preliminary Win for Traditional Owners

The Northern Territory government has issued a two-year order to halt mining and exploration at the Jabiluka uranium site, surrounded by Kakadu National Park. This decision comes as a preliminary win for the traditional owners of the land. The reservation order, issued under the NT Minerals Titles Act, was gazetted on Wednesday. It prohibits Energy Resources Australia (ERA) from seeking any mineral title over the land during this period. The order also prevents ERA from applying for a 10-year extension of their lease. This move puts a temporary hold on any mining activities at the Jabiluka site, which is home to a significant uranium deposit. The decision on whether to grant the leaseholder an extension will be made at a later date. This development is seen as a positive step towards protecting the land and the surrounding environment.