Rio Tinto will take over management of the Ranger uranium rehabilitation project in the Northern Territory from Energy Resources of Australia (ERA).
Under a new management services agreement (MSA), Rio will provide services and advice on the project including rehabilitation studies and work.
As an 86.3 per cent ERA shareholder, Rio said its work will build off the progress already made so far.
“With the signing of this agreement, we are pleased to be able to directly provide more closure and project delivery experience and know-how to this critical task,” Rio Tinto Australia chief executive Kellie Parker said.
“We look forward to working in partnership with the Mirarr Traditional Owners and other stakeholders to complete the project.”
Efforts to rehabilitate the land have been in planning since the mine opened in 1981 and ERA has tenure and access to the site until January 8 2026.
Ranger operated as a uranium mine for 40 years before closing up in 2021.
“The ERA team has worked incredibly hard and made good progress rehabilitating Ranger,” ERA managing director and chief executive officer Brad Welsh said.
“However, as the project moves into a new phase it will benefit from Rio Tinto’s global expertise in mine closure.
“We look forward to working with and supporting Rio Tinto on the safe and efficient delivery of this important project.”
ERA will continue to directly manage its commitments in Jabiru, corporate and financial affairs, assets and governance, including the Jabiluka mineral lease renewal, which is set to expire in August.