A uranium miner backed by Rio Tinto has applied for a 10-year extension to its mining lease over the famous Jabiluka deposit in the Northern Territory, reigniting tensions with the land’s traditional owners.

The Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation, representing the Mirarr people of the former Ranger uranium mine, has been increasingly concerned about the intentions of Rio Tinto majority-owned Energy Resources Australia, despite the company’s pledge to not mine the untapped Jabiluka deposit as long as traditional owners remain opposed to it.

The prospect of mining at Jabiluka – a lease area near the Ranger uranium mine that is surrounded by, but not part of, the Kakadu National park – sparked fierce opposition among traditional owners and environmental campaigners in 1998 when thousands took part in a human blockade at the site and hundreds were arrested.

Since the signing of the 2005 care and maintenance agreement, Rio Tinto has made clear that Jabiluka will not be developed, because of long-standing traditional owners’ objections.

Rio Tinto became embroiled in a stand-off with the ERA board last year after ERA commissioned an independent report that suggested traditional owners might change their mind about the Jabiluka project, or that the lease might be able to be sold.

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ERA lodged an application in the Northern Territory on Wednesday seeking the 10-year renewal of its lease at Jabiluka. The lease is due to expire in August.

The company said extending its mining rights would give the traditional owners control over the Jabiluka deposit, including the right of veto over any future development.

“If the lease is not renewed, the agreement and development veto lapses,” ERA said. “Without this contractual veto right, there is a risk that Jabiluka could be developed in the future regardless of the Mirarr traditional owner’s position, given the global significance of the deposit and demand for uranium from stable democracies.”