Midnight Oil’s Peter Garrett backs Mirarr Traditional Owners in fresh fight over Jabiluka

An Australian rock legend has claimed “people will be ready to rally from every corner of the nation” if a uranium licence is extended in Kakadu National Park.

Corben Mudjandi alongside other Mirarr Traditional Owners held a protest outside the Energy Resources of Australia Annual General Meeting of shareholders at the Oaks Darwin Elan Hotel, Wood St over a proposed mine lease extension for Jabiluka. Picture: Zizi Averill

A rock legend and former federal politician claimed thousands of Aussies would be ready to fight any attempts to reactivate uranium mining in the heart of Kakadu National Park.

Former Midnight Oil frontman Peter Garrett voiced his support for the Mirarr Traditional Owners after a small group of 12 protesters gathered outside of the Energy Resources of Australia annual shareholder meeting on Wednesday.

In March the Rio Tinto subsidiary applied to renew its mineral lease on Jabiluka, which is estimated to contain 137,100 tonnes of uranium oxide.

In 1998 more than 5000 people including Peter Garrett joined with Mirarr Traditional Owners to block the Jabiluka mine, owned by Energy Resources of Australia.

For decades the Mirarr people have voiced their opposition to any extraction at the site, with protests in 1998 culminating in a 5000-person strong, eight month protest.

Mr Garrett, who was part of the human blockade, said the fresh attempt to extend the lease was “deeply disappointing”.

In 1998 more than 5000 people including Peter Garrett joined with Mirarr Traditional Owners to block the Jabiluka mine, owned by Energy Resources of Australia.

He said the lease was an “accident of history”, allowing radioactive mining licences to exist in an area surrounded by Kakadu National Park.

The former Environment Minister said it was “crystal clear” both Territory and Commonwealth governments should oppose the 10-year licence renewal.

“I along with many thousands of other Australians … have not forgotten,” Mr Garrett said.

“If needed, I’m sure people will be ready to rally from every corner of the nation.”

Mirarr Traditional Owners held a protest outside the Energy Resources of Australia Annual General Meeting of shareholders at the Oaks Darwin Elan Hotel, Wood St following the mine owner's decision apply for a mine lease extension for Jabiluka. Picture: Zizi Averill

A new generation of Mirarr leaders are now carrying on this fight, including 26-year-old Shanice Mudjandi and her brother 23-year-old Corben Mudjandi.

“My family and parents have been fighting this for a very long time and they’re getting old now,” Ms Mudjandi said.

“So it’s time for us to stand up and fight.”

Mirarr Traditional Owners held a protest outside the Energy Resources of Australia Annual General Meeting of shareholders at the Oaks Darwin Elan Hotel, Wood St following the mine owner's decision apply for a mine lease extension for Jabiluka. Picture: Zizi Averill

In a speech, ERA chief executive Brad Welsh said the lease held a large, high-quality uranium ore body “of global significance”, with the lease set to expire in August.

The Mirarr people are campaigning for it to be reintegrated into the UNESCO protected park.

Mirarr Traditional Owners held a protest outside the Energy Resources of Australia Annual General Meeting of shareholders at the Oaks Darwin Elan Hotel following the mine owner's decision apply for a mine lease extension for Jabiluka. Picture: Zizi Averill

Mr Welsh maintained ERA had “no development plan for the deposit”, and said the lease extension would extend the long-term care and maintenance provisions for the Mirarr.

“ERA has protected the cultural heritage at Jabiluka for almost two decades so far,” he said.

“The agreement and veto right only remain in place if the lease is renewed.

Corben Mudjandi alongside other Mirarr Traditional Owners held a protest outside the Energy Resources of Australia Annual General Meeting of shareholders at the Oaks Darwin Elan Hotel, Wood St over a proposed mine lease extension for Jabiluka. Picture: Zizi Averill

“We therefore believe the renewal of ERA’s mineral lease remains the best way to protect Jabiluka’s cultural heritage.”

Originally published as Midnight Oil’s Peter Garrett backs Mirarr Traditional Owners in fresh fight over Jabiluka