Ranger Uranium Environmental Inquiry (Fox Inquiry), 1976-1977

In the 1970’s, the discovery of large quantities of uranium throughout the Alligator Rivers Region, a region of great environmental and cultural significance, led the Whitlam Government to appoint a committee of inquiry to look into proposed mining in the area. The inquiry, under the direction of Justice Russell Fox, was appointed in July 1975 and was tasked with examining the environmental impacts of a proposal to develop uranium deposits, including the Ranger, Jabiluka, and Koongarra leases.

The Inquiry issued two reports. The first, on 2 November 1976, dealt solely with the grounds of objection to uranium mining in the Alligator Rivers Region. The second report, issued on 17 May 1977, considered the Ranger uranium proposal in detail and dealt with other issues, such as Aboriginal land rights, the establishment of a national park in the region, and other environmental matters.*

The Inquiry found that if uranium mining was properly regulated and controlled, its hazards were not sufficient to prevent the development of the mines. The Inquiry recommended the establishment of a comprehensive system of environmental monitoring and research, overseen by a coordinating committee representing all the agencies involved, and chaired by a supervising scientist. It also recommended the granting of Aboriginal title to a substantial part of the region and the creation of a national park.*

*”Uranium mining – Ranger Uranium Environmental Inquiry, 1975–77″ – National Archives of Australia

National Archives of Australia
Australian Government Publishing Service