Toro targets 2012 for WA uranium mine

Adelaide-based Toro Energy has put itself into the running to develop the state's first uranium mine, saying its Wiluna project could start production as early as 2012.

The company has already completed a prefeasibility study on the project and is currently undertaking an optimisation study, which is due for completion this quarter.

Should it receive necessary planning approvals on time, Toro said it is targeting initial production in 2012.

Toro's statement today coincides with the formal signing of a formal agreement between Mega Uranium and its Japanese joint venture partners over the Lake Maitland uranium project, also in the Mid West.

Mega has previously said it is target first production by 2011.

BHP Billiton is the other company in the state uranium mine race, with the major previously stating it could bring its Yeelirrie uranium project into production in 2014.