Ranger 3 Deeps Underground Mine

Energy Resources of Australia Ltd

Energy Resources of Australia Ltd proposes to develop and operate the Ranger 3 Deeps Underground Mine at the existing Ranger Uranium Mine in the Alligator Rivers Region, Northern Territory.

The Northern Territory Environment Protection Authority (NT EPA) has decided the Ranger 3 Deeps Underground Mine proposal requires assessment under the NT Environmental Assessment Act at the level of Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The proposal is a controlled action under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).

The controlling provisions are:

• World Heritage properties (sections 12 and 15A)
• National Heritage places (sections 15B and 15C)
• Wetlands of international importance (sections 16 and 17B)
• Listed threatened species and communities (sections 18 and 18A)
• Listed migratory species (sections 20 and 20A)
• Protection of the environment from nuclear actions (sections 21 and 22A) and
• Commonwealth land (sections 26 and 27A).

The Ranger 3 Deeps Underground Mine proposal cannot be assessed under the bilateral agreement between the NT and Commonwealth Governments as components of the proposal are located on Commonwealth land where the agreement does not apply.

However, the NT EPA and the Commonwealth Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities have determined that the proposal will be assessed cooperatively to synchronise public comment periods and avoid duplication of assessment documentation.

Assessment will be undertaken in accordance with Clause 8 of the NT Environmental Assessment Administrative Procedures and to meet the requirements as provided for in Chapter 4, Part 8, Division 6 of the EPBC Act.