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| Applying traditional face paint to an Aboriginal boy, dance festival, Northern Queensland, Australia
© John Miles/Survival |
The Mirrar Aborigines of Australia's Northern Territory have for many years
opposed the construction of a uranium mine on their land. Ever since the huge
find in 1971 at a site called Jabiluka, on the edge of the famous Kakadu
National Park, the Mirrar have engaged in a ceaseless battle. They have
campaigned tirelessly around the world and even protested at the mine site.
Survival has lobbied the Australian government and the UN, and financially
supported the Mirrar; many other organisations around the world have also
supported them.
In a remarkable victory for the Mirrar and their many supporters around the
world, the chairman of Rio Tinto Sir Robert Wilson, whose company now owns the
deposit, has said that they will not develop the mine without the consent of the
Aborigines. We won't develop it without their consent, full
stop.' The senior traditional landowner, Yvonne Margarula, said in
response, I'm not going to agree to the… mine, for whatever reason
they want from it, money or whatever else. Mining ruins the land… My mind is
firmly set.'
Photos available to the press: for more information contact Miriam Ross (+44)
(0)20 7687 8734 or email mr@survival-international.org
