The current proposal by Compass is to mine the Oxide deposit at Brown’s Cut.

This would present a range of environmental impacts, such as ground water drawdown, pollution of the aquifer and degradation of the immediate region's diverse flora and fauna, including a number of endangered species. Compass will monitor bores around Batchelor to measure the extent of impacts on local water values by the volumes of groundwater they intend to pump into the river.

But perhaps the most contentious ecological hazard presented by the Browns Oxide proposal is that of radioactive wastes.

While Compass are at great pains to reassure locals that Browns will not be a uranium mine, it must be recognized that the ore includes significant (though not commercially viable) levels of uranium. Mining operations would mobilize and disperse this uranium into the local environment.

The need to address the radioactive tailings, waste liquors and airborne emissions anticipated from the project has warranted a report by ANSTO, the Federal government’s nuclear science body. This report identified known levels of radioactivity, outlined operational scenarios which could lead to environmental impact from radioactive pollution, and warned that current regulations may be insufficient for ensuring environmental protection.

The miner’s plan for contaminated water to overflow into the East Finniss during the Wet can only compound the pollution problems already evident at Rum Jungle.