THE HON IAN MACFARLANE MP Minister for Industry

MEDIA RELEASE
9 December 2013

RANGER URANIUM MINE INCIDENT

The Australian Government has suspended processing operations at the Ranger Uranium Mine (Ranger) in the Northern Territory following an incident involving the failure of a leach tank on Saturday 7 December 2013. The Hon Ian Macfarlane, Minister for Industry, received a full briefing from Ms Andrea Sutton, CEO of Energy Resources of Australia (ERA) shortly after notification of the incident, including on the strategy for clean-up. The Minister highlighted the seriousness with which this matter would be dealt with. I have told ERA today that they cannot resume processing at Ranger until the company demonstrates the integrity of the processing plant to the satisfaction of the regulatory authorities. ERA must also demonstrate that Kakadu National Park and human safety remain protected. I understand the concerns of traditional owners and local residents and can assure them that Governments will continue to ensure the mine operates to the highest standards. The Supervising Scientist has begun a full investigation of the site. Preliminary reports indicate that the spill was contained within the plant area and that there is no threat to the surrounding environment or human health outside the immediate area. I am working with my colleague, the Northern Territory Minister for Mines and Energy, whose Department has already initiated a formal investigation into this incident. Northern Territory WorkSafe has also indicated it will undertake an investigation under the Work Health and Safety (National Uniform Legislation) Act 2011. A taskforce consisting of the Northern Territory Department of Mines and Energy, Northern Territory WorkSafe, the Supervising Scientist and the Department of Industry has been established. The taskforce will meet on a regular basis to progress the investigation, and provide a coordinated and consistent approach to managing the regulatory response to this incident. Media contact: Kylie Barron 0408 508 673