MRM works recommence

MCARTHUR River Mining (MRM) has welcomed the Northern Territory Government’s plan to introduce a Bill amending the McArthur River Project Agreement Ratification Act to validate the mines minister’s authorisation of the mine’s $110 million open pit development.

All work undertaken on the open pit development since October 2006 would be covered by the amendment. The announcement follows a decision on 30 April 2007 by Supreme Court Justice Angel in favour of the plaintiffs, represented by the Northern Land Council, in the case against the NT government.

The court action related to the government process which led to approval of the mine’s $110 million open pit development.

MRM general manager Brian Hearne said once the legislative amendment was passed by the Northern Territory Parliament, civil works and mining operations at MRM would recommence.

Civil works and mining operations have been suspended since April 2007.