SA:Marathon to get new exploration licence

AAP General News (Australia)
12-20-2010
SA:Marathon to get new exploration licence

By Tim Dornin

ADELAIDE, Dec 20 AAP - Marathon Resources will get a new licence to explore for uranium
in South Australia's Flinders Ranges if it agrees to tougher conditions.

The SA government said it would consult with the company over the move and would consider
a range of options which might exclude or limit mining in environmentally sensitive areas,
including Arkaroola.

"The government is currently looking closely at all options for the future management
of the Arkaroola region to preserve its iconic landscapes, biodiversity, cultural, wilderness,
scientific and tourism values," acting Mineral Resources Minister Jack Snelling said.

Marathon had asked for a two-year licence but said it would immediately commence consultation
with the government in relation to the one-year renewal.

Its operations in the Flinders were suspended after it was found to have improperly
disposed of waste in the area in 2008.

Welcoming the tighter restrictions on the company, the Australian Democrats criticised
the timing of the announcement, coming so close to Christmas and after months of delay.

"We are pleased with the comments of the acting minister which give some hope that
ultimately Marathon Resources will not be given a licence to mine," spokeswoman Jeanie
Walker said.

While the Australian Greens also called for a ban on drilling or other ground disturbing
activities to remain in place.

Greens MP Mark Parnell said with the government announcing stricter conditions on Marathon
they must match their rhetoric with action.

"Anything less than a complete ban on drilling into the future will mean weaker, not
stricter, operating conditions," he said.

The South Australian Opposition said the government must reveal its position on mining
in the environmentally sensitive Arkaroola region.

"South Australian deserve to have a clear position on mining from their government
but instead all we have had so far is delay tactics and rhetoric," opposition leader Isobel
Redmond said.

She said while the Liberals were supportive of mining, Arkaroola deserved the highest
environmental protection.

AAP tjd/maur

KEYWORD: MARATHON WRAP

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