Against the wishes of the traditional owners, the Mirrar people, and against the wishes of 80% of Australians, Energy Resources of Australia (ERA) began construction of the Jabiluka uranium mine in Kakadu National Park on June 15. Just a few days before, ERA had passed the last legal hurdle preventing mine construction, when the Northern Territory Supreme Court refused to grant an injunction against the Northern Territory government's authorisation of the Jabiluka uranium mine.
On March 23, environmentalists, traditional owners and social justice activists established a blockade to prevent the mine from being constructed. Since then, many hundreds of people from all over Australia have travelled long distances to participate in the blockade.
Natalie Zirngast, reporting from the blockade for Green Left Weekly, says that within the next week, eight buses carrying at least 400 protesters are expected to arrive at the blockade in Kakadu National Park. This follows a week of actions and mass arrests as the campaign steps up.
On the day that mine construction was to begin, June 15, there was a colourful and peaceful march, 60 people walking 18 kilometres to the lease gates with a big banner saying "Over our dead bodies".
At this point, it was discovered that a bulldozer on a truck was heading down the road, which five people then locked onto.
Initially, the protesters were told by the driver that he was headed for an Aboriginal community, which was confirmed by a fax sent to the local police station. However, there was still suspicion because ERA security were there and the driver had no permit for Arnhem Land. One person locked off, and the other four were taken off by the Territory Response Group.
Protesters then followed the truck, which entered the ERA compound. Phillip Shirvington, chief executive officer of ERA, claimed on radio that the driver had been so irritated by the protesters that he immediately decided to do some work for ERA.
The Aboriginal community had genuinely thought that the driver was coming to work for them, as he had in the past, and had stated to Jacquie Katona, executive officer of the Gundjehmi Aboriginal Corporation, that they were not upset at the protest action, even before the driver's destination was clarified.
Seven people were arrested on June 15, and another 17 on June 16, as protesters linked arms in front of the road towards the lease gates. One protester was hospitalised after being dragged and thrown to the side of the road by police.
Kerry Nettle, one of the spokespeople for the blockade, told Green Left Weekly, "The fact that ERA got the police to act so heavy-handedly shows how desperate they are. They are desperate to get the construction started for economic and political reasons. ERA need this project for their financial situation, and there's also the threat of the federal election and Labor's 'no new mines' policy."
The ALP has said that if it wins government at the next federal election, it will stop any new uranium mines from going ahead, but if the contracts for a new uranium mine had already been signed, then an ALP government would treat it as an existing mine and allow it to be built.
All the contracts for Jabiluka have been signed except for two, according to Nettle. The two outstanding contracts are for the Jabiluka mill alternative and the export licence.
Nettle said that when blockaders have voiced their dissatisfaction with ALP's weak stance, ALP spokespeople have been very defensive.
It is clear that the ALP is having two bob each way. Given the level of public opposition, it doesn't want to be seen openly supporting the Jabiluka mine. On the other hand, it doesn't want to upset the Northern Territory branch of the ALP, which has a pro-uranium position, or big business.
Another blockade spokesperson, Kevin Smith, added, "ERA have been celebrating the beginning of construction this week. Most Australians, though, view the proposed Jabiluka uranium mine as a shameful and short-sighted project.
"This week's mass arrests have only strengthened our resolve to expose this mine as a national disgrace. While construction at Jabiluka is already 12 months behind schedule, this campaign is gathering momentum every day."
Many people have visited the blockade site to show their support, whether for an afternoon, or longer term. Wendy Harmer, comic from Today FM in Sydney, visited briefly while on holiday in Kakadu, bringing bread and pizza, and donating $500 to the campaign.
"Bob Brown recommended that as many Australians as possible come up to have a look at the site. I wanted to see for myself and gather some information", said Harmer.
"When I get back to Sydney, I'll be telling people about the blockade and the people here. Uranium mining is bad enough, but in the middle of Kakadu, a national park, it's madness."
In an expression of solidarity, NSW Aboriginal elders have called for a stop to uranium mining in Kakadu. One of the elders, Gary Simon Jagamarra, declared, "The time has come for all elders to stand beside our brothers and sisters of the Top End. The time has come to recognise that if mining can take place at Jabiluka, then mining can happen anywhere in Australia.
"Look around: how safe is your backyard? We are calling on all elders throughout Australia to stand and show their support at this crucial time."
Jagamarra noted that the Jabiluka mine proposal threatened over 159 hectares of World Heritage sacred land.
Previously, protesters were concentrating on stopping ERA from moving equipment into the lease area. Some equipment is now being used on the site, so protesters have indicated that this is an opportunity to regroup and discuss new tactics.
Direct actions at the lease will still be organised, but there will also be a focus on larger, non-confrontational actions at the gate, and also at Jabiru, the nearest town, and in Darwin.
Kerry Nettle indicated that the massive influx of people into the blockade would give renewed energy and direction to the 150 or so protesters already camped at the site.
Jabiluka Action Groups in all the major cities are organising pickets, public meetings and rallies in coming weeks. To get in touch, phone: Brisbane 3221 0188, Canberra 6247 2424, Darwin 8981 1984, Hobart 6234 6397, Lismore 6622 0243, Melbourne 9419 8700, Sydney 9514 1155.
Travel to the Jabiluka blockade can be arranged by phoning: Darwin 8981 1984, Melbourne 9419 8700, Sydney 9267 4463, Brisbane 9267 4463, Lismore 6622 0243.