Kakadu expansion plan bewilders uranium miner

Comment:  No to uranium mining everywhere, France, turn to wind and solar power and stop destroying people's home land!

By Emma Masters

A French mining company seeking to exploit uranium-rich land surrounded by Kakadu National Park is calling for the Federal Government to explain why it has promised to stop future mining.

Earlier this year, the sole traditional owner of the Koongarra area asked the Federal Government to incorporate it into the World Heritage-listed park.

The owner wants it protected from being mined by AREVA, which has held applications for a mining lease and an exploration licence on the land for the past 15 years.

Yesterday, Labor promised to include the area in the park if it is re-elected.

In a statement, AREVA said it was "surprised" by the Government's election commitment.

AREVA wants the Government to explain its decision and says it is now seeking legal advice.

Meanwhile, Tourism Top End says it is hopeful Labor's pledge to expand Kakadu will mean more areas will be opened to tourists.

"I think it's a positive move and that is a beautiful area," Tourism Top End's Sylvia Wolf said.

Read more:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/08/11/2979643.htm?section=justin