Scientists say mining has had only a minor impact on the wetlands.
And approval for the nearby Ranger uranium mine was signed by a Mirrar elder in 1982. Even though Ranger's brought millions of royalty dollars, the Mirrar say that's only meant less services have been provided by the government, and the mining company hasn't delivered promised substitute serivces. But te Mirrar, are a small clan. The much larger Gagadju group, who also receive royalties say aboriginal people have benefitted. And because mining infrastructure is already in place from Ranger, it's unlikely the Mirrar can stop the project, even if they are the true owners.