Planned maintenance work on the waste rock dump at Rum Jungle Creek South, about 105km south of Darwin, will begin shortly to ensure the site continues to meet national standards for radiation protection.

Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Matt Canavan welcomed the announcement that a $1.9 million contract has been awarded to NT-based company, Aldebaran Contracting, to carry out the works. Minister Canavan said the works will continue until the end of the year and will improve the existing safety coverage system.

“The waste rock dump cover system requires maintenance to ensure its future integrity. The maintenance work will ensure areas around the site, including recreational areas near Rum Jungle, are safe to visit and meet international standards,” Minister Canavan said.

The maintenance is part of a bilateral agreement between the Australian Government and the Northern Territory Government for the management of the former Rum Jungle Mine site (Stage 2A). Under the agreement, the Commonwealth has provided $10 million in funding to support finalising rehabilitation planning for the Rum Jungle Mine and satellite sites, including Rum Jungle Creek South.

“We will continue to work with the NT Government to ensure the highest standards of radiation protection safety are kept,” Minister Canavan said.

Northern Territory Senator Sam McMahon said the maintenance works will also provide employment opportunities.

“Ensuring the site meets the highest safety standards will help continue capacity building for Traditional Owners and local businesses during the maintenance and beyond. Public access to the site will be closed during the maintenance,” Senator McMahon said. 

The Northern Territory Government has been working with the Australian Government and traditional owners, the Kungarakan and Warai peoples, since 2009 to develop a preferred rehabilitation strategy for the former Rum Jungle Mine site.