Jabiluka Mill Alternative
4.0 Social Issues and Impacts
4.1 Social Impacts
Several submissions commented that the social impacts on the local aboriginal people appeared to have been inadequately addressed. This comment is generally based on the well publicised opposition of some of the Mirrar people to the mine development.
Discussions with the Traditional Owners has not been possible as they have distanced themselves for the assessment process and will take no part in it.
Many submissions referred to the Kakadu Region Social Impact Study (KRSIS) as the necessary means of addressing the social issues. The KRSIS study was undertaken separately, but in parallel to, the Jabiluka EIS. It identified social impacts of regional development rather than those solely attributable to the mining development. Many people see the apparent lack of activity in implementing the recommendations of KRSIS as a serious deficiency in addressing social issue impacts.
4.2 Heritage and Cultural Values
ERA have undertaken a cultural survey (stage 1) of the JMA mine site in accordance with requirements of the Minister for Resources and Energy. No prehistoric archaeological sites, no isolated artefacts and no historically significant archaeological material were identified.
Stage 2 of the survey, covering the haul road and other relevant areas, is yet to be conducted.
Recommendation 17
The proponent is to conduct stage 2 of the cultural, archaeological and heritage survey prior to construction of the Ranger-Jabiluka access road.
ERA staff are restricted to the mine site, access roads and development areas. They do not have access to the majority of the lease, including the AHC areas.
Traditional Owners have access to all of the lease area, with the exception of approximately 4% of the area which is restricted for safety reasons.
