Martin defends Howard's letter over mine expansion

The Northern Territory Chief Minister has defended the Prime Minister's decision to write to her, lobbying for the expansion of the McArthur River mine near Borroloola.

Last month John Howard sent a letter to Clare Martin urging her to quickly finalise approval for the mine's expansion because it is in the national interest.

The mines owner, Xstrata, has applied to convert the operation to open cut, requiring five kilometres of the McArthur River to be diverted.

Ms Martin says she often receives letters from Mr Howard.

"But I'm sure the Prime Minister very clearly understands that we have a proper regulatory process to go through and so does the Commonwealth," she said.

"We must follow the letter of that law and the Prime Minister as I said would recognise that."

Meanwhile, Mr Howard says the NT's Environment Minister has the same argument as him when it comes to approving the mine's expansion.

He says like Marion Scrymgour he gives the project the tick of approval if the environmental risks are addressed.

Traditional owners oppose the plans but the Mr Howard says the mine would create huge economic benefits.

"The Territory Minister for Natural Resources Marion Scrymgour has provided advise to the Minister for Mines and Energy that the companies amended proposal satisfies engineering requirements," he said.

"And that any environmental risks, certain environmental risks, rather should be addressed through stringent conditions."