The traditional owners of the Jabiluka mine lease surrounded by Kakadu National Park have rejected claims there is no threat from contaminated water stored on the site.

The office of the supervising scientist, the Territory Mines and Energy Department and Federal Environment Minister Robert Hill have all given assurances there are no problems at the mine site.

But a spokeswoman for the Mirrarr traditional owners, Jacqui Katona, says they do not have sufficient information to make those claims.

"We understand that there are vast amounts of water...currently being stored in the mine decline and we also understand there is a high level of contamination taking place," she said.

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No assurances over Jabiluka water management concerns

The Northern Territory's Office of the Supervising Scientist says it cannot make assurances there will be no water management
problems at the Jabiluka uranium mine site on a lease inside Kakadu National Park.

The traditional owners of Jabiluka claim contaminated water is being stored in the proposed mine decline and Government
authorities are not getting enough information about the dangers.

However, supervising scientist Arthur Johnston says there is nothing wrong with the existing water management system.

"As time goes on we will review the position and if any furthur...amendments are required then we'll ensure that those amendments are made," he said.

"But what we need to do in the meantime is ensure whilst discussions are going on and the company is trying to seek agreement with the traditional owners, we have to ensure that the way in which the water management system is operated is one
that will give a high level of protection to the environment."

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