Abstract
Between 1955 and 1964 13 small uranium mines and associated infrastructure were developed in the South Alligator valley, northern Australia. Rehabilitation requirements were nil when the mines were abandoned. In 1987 the valley was incorporated into Stage III of the World Heritage Kakadu National Park. Between 1990 and 1992 the Commonwealth Government undertook a program of works to reduce radiological and physical hazards for visitors to the Park.
In 1996 the Aboriginal Traditional Owners were granted title to the valley, which they immediately leased back as part of the Park. The lease required requires all evidence of mining to be rehabilitated by 2015. The plan of rehabilitation had to be agreed by 30 June 2001. The rehabilitation works have to take account of a range of social, cultural and ecological issues, especially those which relate to the aspirations and desires of the Traditional Owners. In the course of the program an area was found to be contaminated with uranium mill tailings. An associated program of remedial interim works has had to be undertaken within the scope of the overall intervention and rehabilitation program.
The paper describes the history of the project, the consultation and planning processes that have had to be developed, and progress and experiences to date.
