Queensland to recommence uranium mining

The State Government has today announced it will convene a three-member implementation committee to oversee the recommencement of uranium mining in Queensland.

Premier Campbell Newman said today’s announcement followed sustained public debate on uranium mining in Queensland, and strong support for the uranium industry from the Federal Labor Government.

“The Prime Minister Julia Gillard has just been in India selling the benefits of Australian-produced uranium to India, prompting many in the community to ask about the industry’s potential in Queensland,” Mr Newman said.

“It’s been 30 years since there was uranium mining in this State, and in that time Northern Territory, South Australia and Western Australia have carved out successful uranium industries that deliver jobs and prosperity to their regions.”

Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Andrew Cripps said with Queensland’s known uranium deposits worth an estimated $10 billion, the industry has enormous potential to support economic growth, particularly in regional North Queensland.

Minister Cripps said the State Government would not consider nuclear energy production or nuclear waste disposal plants in Queensland as part of the recommencement of uranium mining.

Uranium mining has not occurred in Queensland since 1982 and has been effectively prohibited since the election of the Goss Labor Government in 1989.

Exploration for uranium has not been subject to the prohibition and there has been significant continuing interest from the industry in exploring for uranium in the State.

The committee will report to the State Government within three months. 

[ENDS] 22 October 2012

Media Contact: Premier’s Office 3224 4500      Minister’s Office: Jane Paterson 0417 281 754