PM Transcripts

Press Statement No. 583
28 October 1975
THE RANGER URANIUM PROJECT IN THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
The Prime Minister, Mr Whitlam; the Managing Director
of Electrolytic Zinc Company of Australasia Ltd., Mr Mackay;
and the Chairman of Peko Mines Ltd., Mr Proud signed this
afternoon a Memorandum of Understanding between the
Government and the Companies for the development and mining
of uranium ore deposits in the Ranger area in the Northern
Territory and for the production and sale of uranium
concentrate from that ore.
This Memorandum represents an elaboration of the
Agreement Previously signed by the Ministers ana representatives
of the Companies on 30 October 1974.
The completion of this Memorandum of Understanding
will now facilitate the early preparation of formal agreements
in relation to this Venture. It is understood by the Parties,
however, that these agreements will not become effective
until Australia has affirmed them following consideration of:
the Report of the Ranger Uranium Environmental
Inquiry ( Hearings by this Inquiry commenced on
9 September 1975 with Mr Justice Fox as
presiding Commissioner.);
the outcome of any claims by Aboriginals in respect
of land within the Ranger area ( in conformity with
the procedures to be required by the Aboriginal
Land ( Northern Territory) Bill 1975 now before
the Parliament).
The discussions which have led to the signing of the
Memorandum of Understanding this afternoon confirms the
confidence of the Government and Peko and EZ in this major
Australian mining enterprise. The Government believes that
the'Ranger Project can be a major export earner and it will
be working with Peko and EZ to bring this fully Australian
mining project to fruition. Nevertheless, it is essential
before the project can proceed, that the Government receive
the Report of the Environmental Inquiry and take whatever
steps it may then judge necessary in the light of the findings
and recommendations of that Inquiry.
CANBERRA. A. C. T.