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$351M funding injection for outback mining town

Jabiru
Jabiru

A Top End mining town that suffered years of economic turmoil will receive an emergency $351 million shot in the arm.

Locals had feared Jabiru was in danger of dying after Energy Resources of Australia (ERA) ceased mining activities in 2012 and suspended exploration at Ranger 3 Deeps three years later at its Ranger Uranium Mine, 262km west of Darwin.

The town’s population was just over 1000 according to the 2016 Census and an 80 per cent drop in international tourist numbers to just 30,000 a year really impacted on the local economy. The town was bracing for the worst when the mine completely closes in the year 2021.

Town will be ‘saved’

The Northern Territory and Federal governments have signed a new contract to pay for several infrastructure upgrades that could potentially save Jabiru.

Works include a new visitor centre, Aboriginal cultural centres, road upgrades, telecommunications, power station, health clinic and education precinct.

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‘Biggest and quickest’ turnaround

Federal Minister for the Environment Sussan Ley promises the work will help Jabiru have the “biggest and quickest possible turnaround” for the region.

ERA is undertaking a massive $800 million rehabilitation of the mine site that is expected to end in 2026.

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