Rio Tinto subsidiary Energy Resources of Australia (ERA) has detailed progress made towards rehabilitating the Ranger project area in the Northern Territory.
Like the previous quarter, ERA recorded no mining, production and development expenditure during the June 2024 quarter.
However, the company’s rehabilitation activities for the Ranger project area during the quarter cost approximately $43 million, and its all-injury frequency rate remains at 0.00. ERA is currently working to reinstate the landform at Ranger.
“The capping of Pit 3 remains a critical path activity,” ERA said. “The Pit 3 backfill approval application was resubmitted to the Northern Territory Government in September 2023.
“ERA notes that the office of the supervising scientist has completed their assessment and provided a report to the Minister endorsing approval of the application. Final approval of the backfill application is expected in the third quarter of 2024.”
ERA continued progressing groundwork for dry capping at Pit 3, with two amphirollers accelerating the drying of Pit 3 tailings.
The company said the first shipment of geofabric has arrived on site and it will be laid to protect tailings during the capping process. Another shipment is currently in transit.
“A number of bids have been received for the placement of geofabric and initial capping activities for Pit 3 and these are currently being evaluated,” ERA said.
In June, Rio Tinto took over management of the Ranger rehabilitation project. Under the new management services agreement, Rio will provide services and advice on the project such as rehabilitation studies and work and ERA will continue to manage its corporate, financial affairs, governance and the Jabiluka uranium project mineral lease.
Earlier this week, the Jabiluka mineral lease extension was rejected by the NT Government based on Federal Government advice. The Jabiluka site will now be added to the Kakadu National Park.
“ERA is disappointed with this decision and assessing the options available to it,” ERA said.
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