New Section 41 Authority Extends ERA’s Ranger Project Rehabilitation Beyond January 2026
Energy Resources of Australia has been granted a new rehabilitation authority to extend its environmental restoration work at the Ranger Project Area beyond January 2026.
- New section 41 rehabilitation authority granted effective 9 January 2026
- Authority extends ERA’s ability to complete Ranger Project Area rehabilitation
- Negotiations ongoing between ERA and Commonwealth on associated agreements
- Ranger Mine closed in 2021; focus now on sustainable site rehabilitation
- Ranger Project Area located on Aboriginal land near Kakadu National Park
Background on the Ranger Rehabilitation
Energy Resources of Australia Ltd (ERA), once a leading uranium producer in Australia, has received a crucial regulatory green light to continue its rehabilitation efforts at the Ranger Project Area. The Ranger Mine, which ceased operations in 2021, has since been the focus of extensive environmental restoration work aimed at returning the site to a sustainable condition.
On 12 December 2025, the Minister for Resources, the Hon. Madeleine King MP, officially conferred a new section 41 rehabilitation authority under the Atomic Energy Act 1953. This authority, effective from 9 January 2026, extends ERA’s legal mandate to carry out all remaining rehabilitation activities at the site.
Significance of the New Authority
The granting of this new rehabilitation authority is a pivotal development for ERA, as the previous authority was set to expire on 8 January 2026. Without this extension, ERA’s ability to complete the complex and lengthy rehabilitation process would have been jeopardized, potentially leading to regulatory and environmental complications.
ERA has been actively negotiating associated agreements with the Commonwealth government to underpin the terms and responsibilities related to this authority. While details of these agreements remain confidential, their finalisation will be critical in shaping the scope and funding of the rehabilitation program.
Environmental and Cultural Context
The Ranger Project Area is situated on Aboriginal land, specifically that of the Mirarr people, and lies adjacent to the Kakadu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. ERA’s rehabilitation efforts are not only about environmental restoration but also about respecting the cultural heritage and rights of the Traditional Custodians.
ERA has publicly committed to achieving a world-class, sustainable rehabilitation outcome that balances ecological recovery with cultural sensitivities. This new authority reinforces the company’s strategic priority to deliver on these commitments comprehensively.
Looking Ahead
With the new authority in place, ERA can proceed with confidence to complete the rehabilitation milestones ahead. The company’s progress will be closely watched by stakeholders, including regulators, Indigenous communities, and environmental groups, as it sets a benchmark for mine closure and land restoration in Australia’s uranium sector.
Bottom Line?
ERA’s extended authority marks a critical step toward fulfilling its rehabilitation promise, but the path ahead remains closely scrutinised.
Questions in the middle?
- What are the specific terms and financial commitments in the pending agreements with the Commonwealth?
- How will ERA address any remaining environmental risks or legacy issues at the Ranger site?
- What role will the Mirarr people play in overseeing or participating in the rehabilitation process?
