Anthony Albanese has brought to an end a decades-old dispute over uranium mining in the Northern Territory by ending the mineral lease on Jabiluka, just as world demand pushes prices for the mineral to near 16-year highs.

At Mr Albanese’s request, Northern Territory Mining Minister Mark Monaghan rejected Energy Resources of Australia’s request to extend a lease over the undeveloped Jabiluka uranium deposit on Friday, handing victory to the Mirarr native titleholders who have opposed development for 42 years.