Energy for whom? Uranium mining, Indigenous people, and navigating risk and rights in Australia

Relationships between uranium companies and Traditional Owners traditionally have been characterised by conflict, negative impacts and the denial of rights, especially in Australia. It is estimated that 70 per cent of global uranium deposits are located on the traditional lands of First Peoples, while in Canada and Australia, the percentages are higher. Although opposition to uranium developments remains high, First Peoples increasingly are receptive to uranium developments on their lands. This paper explores engagement between uranium companies and Traditional Owners and identifies avenues to improve relationships. The Ranger uranium mine in Australia's Northern Territory is used as an empirical vehicle through which the following question is answered: can more mutually beneficial outcomes be achieved through greater attention to the rights of First Peoples and to the social and business risks precipitated by uranium developments? Based on the findings of the Ranger case study, the paper that risks and impacts can be reduced or ameliorated through greater emphasis on the rights of First Peoples and the risks to and from operations. Corporate risk and impact assessment tools and processes should work in tandem with, and facilitate, grass-roots relationships between companies and Traditional Owners in order to create shared value.