What enables regulatory capacity building in the closure of Ranger uranium mine in northern Australia?

Authors: Moritz-Zimmermann, A; Miller, J; Tayler, K Download Paper Open access courtesy of:

DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2515_21

Cite As:
Moritz-Zimmermann, A, Miller, J & Tayler, K 2025, 'What enables regulatory capacity building in the closure of Ranger uranium mine in northern Australia?', in S Knutsson, AB Fourie & M Tibbett (eds), Mine Closure 2025: Proceedings of the 18th International Conference on Mine Closure, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 1-9, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2515_21



Abstract:
This paper outlines the Australian Government Supervising Scientist’s unique role that enables regulatory capacity building in mine closure. The position of the Supervising Scientist was established under the Environment Protection (Alligator Rivers Region) Act 1978 to ensure the protection of the Alligator Rivers Region (ARR) in northern Australia from the impacts of uranium mining. This includes Ranger uranium mine, which is surrounded by Kakadu National Park and is in the process of rehabilitation and closure. Under the Act, the Supervising Scientist is set up as an independent expert advisor to the Australian and Northern Territory ministers for Resources and their regulatory agencies. In addition, Ranger’s mining licence requires that the regulator and the ministers seek advice from the Supervising Scientist before making a decision. To provide expert advice, the Supervising Scientist is supported by staff at the Office of the Supervising Scientist (OSS), which consists of subject matter experts relevant to uranium mining, regulation, rehabilitation and mine closure. The research arm of the OSS undertakes independent environmental monitoring and research and develops standards and practices for environmental protection. The supervision arm executes a regulatory oversight program in collaboration with the Northern Territory regulator and representatives of the First Nations people (i.e. the Traditional Owners of the land). To ensure the best science is delivered, the legislation establishes an independent committee of national experts (Alligator Rivers Region Technical Committee) that guides the OSS’s and Ranger mine operator’s research. The legislation also establishes a forum for community liaison and engagement (Alligator Rivers Region Advisory Committee). The forum drives the OSS’s accountability to the public, ensures public disclosure of the environmental performance of mines in the ARR and provides transparency in the regulatory process. For over 40 years the work of the Supervising Scientist has helped to ensure that the environment, including Kakadu National Park and the land of the First Nations people, has been protected from the impacts of uranium mining.

Keywords: regulation, capacity building, uranium mining, rehabilitation, mine closure, environmental protection

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