End of the road for Kakadu’s Jabiluka uranium lease

Nuclear power enthusiasts have expressed frustration at the Northern Territory government’s decision to quarantine Australia’s best undeveloped uranium deposit from future development in a year in which resurgent uranium prices have tested 16-year highs.

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.