The Association of Mining and Exploration Companies has today called for all sides of politics to engage in productive debate on the greenhouse issue, recognising that there is no single answer for a very complex problem.
AMEC's Policy and Public Affairs Manager Ian Loftus said most Australians recognised the importance of addressing the problem of climate change and efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions globally must be a key element of any balanced strategy.
"Australia is well positioned to assist the world's biggest greenhouse gas emitters - in Europe, Asia and North America - manage their own greenhouse gas emissions through the provision of greenhouse-friendly uranium," said Mr Loftus.
"Nuclear power is currently used in some thirty countries, and accounts for around 16 per cent of global electricity generation. Substituting uranium for coal will allow countries to drastically reduce their own greenhouse gas emissions. For example, some 230 grams of uranium oxide can generate the same amount of electricity as around three tonnes of black goal, but without the carbon dioxide emissions - up to eight tonnes - that the coal would create," Mr Loftus added.
Mr Loftus concluded the greenhouse problem requires a broad, balanced approach, and part of the solution was allowing more uranium exports from Australia.
"AMEC calls on state premiers to do their bit in helping solve the greenhouse problem on a global scale by removing bans on uranium mining," he said.
The news comes at a time when uranium stocks are experiencing hikes in their share price.
Wildhorse Energy hit highs of $1.99 during the day before closing up almost 5 per cent at $1.89 after listing at 40 cents in November. The company has been doing the investor rounds and has recently stated its intentions to produce uranium by 2010 at its US based projects.
