Under a new management services agreement, Rio Tinto will oversee the Ranger uranium mine rehabilitation project in Australia’s Northern Territory on behalf of Energy Resources of Australia (ERA).
“With the signing of this agreement, we are pleased to be able to directly provide more closure and project delivery experience and know-how to this critical task,” said Rio Tinto Chief Executive, Australia Kellie Parker.
“So far, ERA has made progress in key areas, including water, tailings treatment and management, and pit rehabilitation. We are aligned with ERA in wanting to build on this work using Rio Tinto’s expertise in closure projects and our commitment to strong stakeholder relationships.”
Under the terms of the agreement, Rio Tinto and ERA will complete the rehabilitation project in the safest and most efficient way possible, consistent with the wishes of the Mirrar people, and to a standard that will establish an environment similar to the adjacent Kakadu National Park.
In January 2021, ERA ceased all mining and processing activities at Ranger after 40 years of operation. Rio Tinto owns a 86.3% stake in ERA.
Source: Rio Tinto