A solid majority of New South Wales voters support lifting the state’s long-standing ban on uranium mining to help deliver zero-emissions energy and tackle climate change, according to new research released by the Minerals Council of Australia (MCA).
A survey of 1,000 NSW voters revealed that 67 per cent back uranium extraction if it contributes to global climate goals. Furthermore, voters are twice as likely to support political candidates who favour uranium mining over those who oppose it.
MCA CEO Tania Constable said there is no technical, environmental, or social justification to maintain the NSW prohibition.
Pointing to South Australia’s operational Honeymoon mine, located just 80 kilometres from the NSW border, Constable urged the state to seize a first-mover advantage over Western Australia and Queensland in developing the resource.
The research found that strong net support for low-emissions uranium mining spans the political spectrum, including 47 per cent of Labor voters and 36 per cent of Greens voters.
A majority of NSW voters, around 52 per cent, back nuclear power generation in Australia if local uranium mining is permitted, citing medical and scientific applications as primary drivers.
In addition, 52 per cent of respondents agree uranium should be mined in NSW under the same regulatory frameworks used across other Australian jurisdictions.
“New South Wales now has the opportunity to seize first mover advantage and play a big part in global emissions reduction and regional job creation ahead of Western Australia and Queensland,” Constable said.
“MCA’s research shows that NSW voters would back legislative reform to meet the energy needs of this large and rapidly growing market.”
Australia holds the world’s largest uranium reserves, roughly one-third of global resources, and ranks as the fourth-largest exporter.
With nations rapidly expanding nuclear generation fleets for low-emissions energy security, trade partners are actively seeking Australian supply.
Under bilateral agreements, exported uranium is strictly limited to peaceful applications, including clean electricity and life-saving medical isotopes.
The MCA highlighted that legislative reform would allow NSW to capitalise on growing global demand, drive regional job creation, and generate vital state revenue.
