Energy Resources of Australia (ERA) has initiated legal proceedings against Australia’s Resources Minister Madeleine King and the Northern Territory’s Minister for Mining Mark Monaghan after its lease for the Jabiluka uranium deposit was not renewed. ERA claims it was denied the opportunity to present its case in the decision-making process.
The Jabiluka uranium deposit, located in Australia’s Northern Territory and surrounded by the Kakadu rainforest, has faced significant opposition from the local Mirarr people and has been the focal point of major environmental protests since the late 1990s.
Last month, following advice from the Federal Government, the Northern Territory government decided not to renew ERA’s lease. Shortly thereafter, uranium miner Boss Energy withdrew its offer to acquire the site for A$550 million ($360 million).
ERA has filed its lawsuit in the Federal Court of Australia, requesting that the court hears its application before the lease expires on August 11. The company argues that it was denied procedural fairness and natural justice in the decision-making process.
Rio Tinto, which owns approximately 80% of ERA but does not operate it, has stated it will not support any development of the Jabiluka project due to the opposition from the Mirarr people.