![]() With other surface stockpiled ore averaging 0.12% U 3O 8 there is enough to last to 2020 if market conditions are favourable, or at least to 2016 when underground mining is planned to commence. The run of mine stockpile then comprised 1.4 Mt of ore at average 0.165% U 3O 8, which was treated by mid-2013. ![]() Ranger #1 open pit was mined out over 1980-94, then pit #3 over 1997-2012. #Dam 20 kilometre drive north. head fullFull production was in October 1981 at a rate of about 3300 tonnes per year of uranium oxide concentrate. This then reduced to 13.67% in February 2020. The three companies then sold their shares, raising the level of public shareholding to 31.61%. Late in 2005 there was a rearrangement of ERA shares which meant that Cameco, Cogema and a holding company (JAURD) representing Japanese utilities lost their special unlisted status and their shares became tradable. In 1998 Cameco took over Uranerz, eventually giving it 6.69% of ERA, and Cogema took over other customer shares, giving it (subsequently Areva) 7.76%. This share increased to 86.33% in February 2020 to ensure that ERA had funds for rehabilitation. Consequently ERA became a 68% subsidiary of North Limited, and this holding was taken over by Rio Tinto Ltd in 2000. During 1987-8 EZ's interest in ERA was taken over by North Broken Hill Holdings Ltd and that company merged with Peko. Ranger Uranium Mines Pty Ltd became a subsidiary of ERA. Several customers held 25% of the equity in non-tradable shares. In establishing the company in 1980 the AAEC interest was bought out for $125 million (plus project costs) and Peko and EZ became the major shareholders. As a result of this, Energy Resources of Australia Ltd (ERA) was set up with 25% equity holding by overseas customers. In August 1979 the Commonwealth Government announced its intention to sell its interest in the Ranger project. ![]() The terms of the joint venture were then finalised and Ranger Uranium Mines Pty Ltd was appointed as manager of the project. In 1978, following a wide-ranging public inquiry (the Ranger Uranium Environmental Inquiry) and publication of its two reports (the Fox reports), agreement to mine was reached between the Commonwealth Government and the Northern Land Council, acting on behalf of the traditional Aboriginal land owners. In 1974 an agreement set up a joint venture consisting of Peko, EZ and the Australian Atomic Energy Commission (AAEC). In 1969 the Ranger orebody was discovered by a Joint Venture of Peko Wallsend Operations Ltd (Peko) and The Electrolytic Zinc Company of Australia Limited (EZ). Ore treatment ceased in January 2021 after production of 132,000 tonnes of uranium oxide concentrate. The traditional owners declined to extend it. The first two orebodies are now mined out and work progressed to develop an underground mine, though in the longer term the Jabiluka orebody, 20 km away on a contiguous lease, is a more significant prospect (see Uranium Deposits information page). The mining authority ran to January 2021, 40 years from commencement. ![]() This is a monsoonal part of Australia, with pronounced wet season from December to April. The Ranger mine and associated town of Jabiru is about 230 kilometres east of Darwin, surrounded by the Kakadu National Park, a major tourist attraction. Recent Production from Australian Uranium Mines See also companion paper on Australia's Uranium Deposits and Prospective Mines. There are plans to bring Honeymoon back into production. ![]() Honeymoon was shut down in 2013 pending improved uranium prices, and the main Beverley (and North Beverley) wellfields were also shut down soon after that. Four Mile has final processing through the Beverley plant. There are three operating uranium mines in Australia: Ranger in Northern Territory, Olympic Dam in South Australia, and Beverley with Four Mile in South Australia. Australia's Uranium Mines Appendix to Australia's Uranium ![]()
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