The review follows concerns among environmentalists over elevated uranium levels in water run-off earlier this year.

Rio in April said it was addressing "lapses in mine site practices" but that uranium contamination from its Ranger mine did not exceed regulatory limits.

Henderson said he wanted an independent assessment of the mechanisms to protect the environment and health of mine workers and the public.

"Previous reports from the NT and Commonwealth scientists indicate that there has been no unacceptable environmental impact at Ranger and Jabiluka," Henderson said.

"This independent review will look at the authorisations approved under the previous legislation to ensure they continue to meet best practice in environmental protection," Henderson said.

Rio subsidiary Energy Resources of Australia Ltd said it was confident its operations were environmentally sound.

"We need to move into a regime where we are managing perceptions to the public about our environmental management," ERA chief executive Robert Cleary told Reuters.

Rio, which assumed control of ERA when it acquired another mining house North Ltd, has said it has no plans to develop new mines in Jabiluka for at least 10 years, given community opposition to further development and the outlook for uranium sales.