PERTH (miningweekly.com) – Stage 3 of the Rum Jungle rehabilitation project has started after the federal government signed a funding agreement for the project.

The Northern Territory government this week said that this funding was a significant milestone in the project, which seeks to improve the environmental condition of the former Rum Jungle uranium mine and surrounding area, and empower traditional owners through training and employment opportunities.

The Northern Territory’s Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade is recruiting traditional owners to rehabilitate the site and strengthen cultural connection to land, and is working in collaboration with the Federal Department of Industry, Science and Resources.

Stage 3 of the Rum Jungle rehabilitation project is the implementation phase of physical site works which will include groundwater and surface water treatment, bulk earthworks to deconstruct existing waste rock dumps and reform storage facilities for chemically and physically safe long-term storage, and establish cover systems for new storage facilities.

The programme of work will also include pit backfilling with lime amended rock and establishing cover system, realignment of water course and installation of erosion and sediment control features including fish passage features, and the establishment, operation and closure of clean fill excavation pits.

Rehabilitation work would also include the ecological restoration of site and surrounds including revegetation, weed, feral animals and fire management, and supporting management of radiation, safety, environment and cultural requirements, and public road upgrades and modifications to support safety.

Stage 3 implementation works will occur in phases, with physical works already underway. Procurement for the major contracts has commenced with the Future Tender Opportunity released this week, the Northern Territory government said.

“The Northern Territory government is working with the Warai and Kungarakan people to strengthen land and water sustainability, environmental care and cultural connection,” said Minister for Mining and Industry Nicole Manison.

“We thank the Federal government for their significant contribution to the Rum Jungle rehabilitation project, and we look forward to commencing Stage 3 implementation works in the region.”

The Rum Jungle mine near Batchelor, began producing uranium in the 1950s and copper from the 1960s. Production stopped in the 1970s and an initial, partially successful rehabilitation programme was conducted in the 1980s.

The mine produced 3 530 t of uranium oxide and 20 000 t of copper concentrate between 1954 and 1971, but resulted in significant environmental impacts owing to acid rock drainage, which resulted in the pollution of the East Branch of the Finniss river.