Failure of a leach tank at the Ranger mine, operated by Energy Resources Australia (ERA), a subsidiary of Rio Tinto, caused the leak of the radioactive material, reported United Press International.
Australia industry minister Ian Macfarlane said the spill is being investigated by the Office of the Supervising Scientist, part of the federal Department of Environment.
"I have told ERA today that they cannot resume processing at Ranger until the company demonstrates the integrity of the processing plant to the satisfaction of the regulatory authorities," Macfarlane said in a statement.
ERA suspended mine operations and was continuing to monitor the incident, ERA said adding that the production forecast for 2013 is expected between 2,800t to 3,200t.
The Ranger uranium mine is located within the Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory of Australia.
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