Energy Resources of Australia
| Company type | Public |
|---|---|
| Industry | Uranium mining |
| Founded | 1980 |
| Headquarters | Western Australia , Australia |
Key people | Peter McMahon (Chairman), Andrea Sutton (Chief Executive) |
| Products | Uranium oxide |
| Owner | Rio Tinto Group (86.3% as of 2021) |
| Parent | Rio Tinto Group |
Energy Resources of Australia Ltd () is a publicly listed Australian company and operates as a subsidiary of the Rio Tinto Group, which held an 86.3% ownership stake as of 2021. The remainder of the shares are available for trading on the Australian Securities Exchange. Leadership includes Chairman Peter McMahon and Chief Executive Andrea Sutton.
Production and sales
ERA is recognized as one of the leading global producers of uranium through its activities at the Ranger Uranium Mine situated in the Northern Territory. The mine lies near Jabiru, approximately 260 km from Darwin. ERA distributes uranium oxide to electric utilities across Asia, Europe, and North America by utilizing Rio Tinto Uranium’s worldwide sales network. Australian uranium exports adhere to stringent safeguards designed to guarantee their use for peaceful purposes.
Open pit mining at Ranger concluded with the closure of Pit 3 in November 2012, following over three decades and production exceeding 110,000 tonnes.
Expansion
In August 2011, ERA sanctioned an expenditure of $120 million to develop an exploration decline aimed at underground drilling near the Ranger 3 Deeps deposit, which is estimated to hold more than 34,761 tonnes of uranium oxide—a deposit of significant global importance. A $57 million Prefeasibility Study is underway to evaluate the economic feasibility of underground mining, refine mining techniques, and establish production targets. Subject to regulatory approvals and positive feasibility results, production was planned to commence in late 2015.
Land ownership
The Ranger mine is positioned adjacent to, but distinct from, Kakadu National Park, on territory traditionally owned by the Mirarr people of the Gaagadju Aboriginal community.
ERA has maintained the lease for the nearby Jabiluka ore body, located roughly 20 km north, under long-term care and maintenance since 1991. Development depends on obtaining consent from the Mirarr community. In 2024, the Northern Territory Government decided against renewing this lease associated with the high-grade uranium resource.
Environmental incidents
The Ranger Uranium Mine has recorded more than 200 environmental incidents over time, including notable occurrences in the years 1995, 2005, 2007, 2010, and 2013.
See also
- Uranium mining controversy in Kakadu National Park
- Uranium in the environment
- Yvonne Margarula
- Jacqui Katona