Western Australian Leader of the Opposition Libby Mettam has announced plans to reinvigorate uranium mining in the state, aiming to streamline the environmental approval process for uranium miners to align with other minerals.
This proposal, which is part of Mettam’s election platform for 2025, includes lifting the ban on new uranium mines in Western Australia if her party comes into power.
The Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) has praised Mettam’s commitment, highlighting the potential economic and environmental benefits of revitalising uranium mining in Western Australia.
The MCA believes that treating uranium like other minerals in the state’s mining sector will unlock economic opportunities and support global decarbonisation efforts.
In a statement, the MCA expressed support for Mettam’s policy shift, stating that the current moratorium on uranium mining in Western Australia is unjustified and has hindered the state’s economic and environmental progress.
The MCA emphasised the potential for uranium mining to create new jobs and position Western Australia as a key player in clean energy generation.
The MCA also noted the significant investments made by uranium explorers in Western Australia, amounting to over $1 billion.
However, these investments have not yielded returns due to restrictive policies.
In contrast, South Australia’s supportive policies have enabled uranium production at a third uranium mine, highlighting Western Australia’s lag in this sector.
The MCA believes that Australia cannot afford to maintain outdated prohibitions on uranium mining, especially given the country’s current energy challenges.
The organisation views Mettam’s proposal as a positive step towards leveraging Western Australia’s uranium resources for sustainable economic growth.
Overall, the MCA stands ready to support the development of a thriving uranium industry in Western Australia, emphasising the potential benefits for both the state and the nation as a whole.