Rio Tinto | Minerals and Metals for the world

ERA has title to the nearby Jabiluka mineral lease, which in 2003 was put on long term care and maintenance after Rio Tinto agreed with the traditional owners of the land that it would not be developed without their consent.

A formal agreement signed between the parties to give effect to this accord is awaiting ratification by the Australian Government. Grading 0.51 per cent U₃O₈, Jabiluka remains one of the most attractive undeveloped uranium deposits in the world.

The Ranger mine and Jabiluka prospect have been progressively surrounded by, but remain separate from, the expansion of the World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park. Especially stringent environmental requirements and government oversight apply. Rio Tinto took control of Ranger and Jabiluka with the acquisition of North Ltd in 2000.

Because uranium mining takes place in an environmentally sensitive area it has been a controversial operation for many years and the focus of sustained demonstrations and a blockade in the late 1990s.

This year the mine experienced operational problems that are being addressed by management. Recently Rio Tinto chief executive Leigh Clifford said that with the strong demand for uranium “we are quite comfortable where we are with ERA”.

He added: “I think most people who are taking a long term perspective realize that nuclear energy is going to play an increasing part in the energy mix of the world.”

Though uranium by volume and revenue is a relatively small part of Rio Tinto's portfolio, ERA and Rössing together make the Group a major player in an energy sector that may grow significantly in the carbon constrained world of the future.



ERA has title to the nearby Jabiluka mineral lease, which in 2003 was put on long term care and maintenance after Rio Tinto agreed with the traditional owners of the land that it would not be developed without their consent. A formal agreement signed between the parties to give effect to this accord is awaiting ratification by the Australian Government. Grading 0.51 per cent U₃O₈, Jabiluka remains one of the most attractive undeveloped uranium deposits in the world. The Ranger mine and Jabiluka prospect have been progressively surrounded by, but remain separate from, the expansion of the World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park. Especially stringent environmental requirements and government oversight apply. Rio Tinto took control of Ranger and Jabiluka with the acquisition of North Ltd in 2000. Because uranium mining takes place in an environmentally sensitive area it has been a controversial operation for many years and the focus of sustained demonstrations and a blockade in the late 1990s. This year the mine experienced operational problems that are being addressed by management. Recently Rio Tinto chief executive Leigh Clifford said that with the strong demand for uranium “we are quite comfortable where we are with ERA”. He added: “I think most people who are taking a long term perspective realize that nuclear energy is going to play an increasing part in the energy mix of the world.” Though uranium by volume and revenue is a relatively small part of Rio Tinto's portfolio, ERA and Rössing together make the Group a major player in an energy sector that may grow significantly in the carbon constrained world of the future.
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Review is published by Rio Tinto, 6 St James' Square, London SW1Y 4LD, England Telephone +44 (0)20 7930 2399 Editor: Cherry DeGeer