Marmion backs uranium mining in WA

Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Marmion says Queensland’s looming ban on mining uranium is an opportunity for Western Australia to capitalise on mining the nuclear fuel ore.

“The industry can rest assured we are working to maximise uranium opportunities in WA, as opposed to Queensland Labor’s short-sighted approach,” Mr Marmion said.

“It begs the question where WA Labor sits on this issue.”

Mr Marmion said more than $300 million had been invested in uranium exploration since the Liberal-National government lifted WA’s uranium mining ban in 2008.

“Exports from WA’s four advanced projects could top $1 billion per year by 2020 if uranium prices recover to economic levels” he said.

WA’s uranium projects include Toro Energy’s Wiluna mine, Cameco’s Yeelirrie and Kintyre mines, and Vimy Resources’ Mulga Rock mine.

“These mines could employ more than 1,500 people during construction and 500 people during operations, not to mention the indirect employment opportunities,” Mr Marmion said.

“In WA, investors can be confident that under the Liberal government, the state is positioned to reap the benefits of rapidly developing uranium markets such as India, China and the United Arab Emirates.”

China has 29 operating rectors, with plans to triple nuclear power by 2020, and triple again by 2050.

India, meanwhile, plans to use nuclear generation to supply 25 per cent of the country’s power by 2050.

“Not only is the mining sector facing challenges at present, but global energy demand is escalating and nuclear power is an increasingly important lower-emission power source,” Mr Marmion said.