Australia is one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of uranium. Uranium is an important low emission base load source of electricity generation internationally. Australia has the world's largest uranium reserves with 46 per cent of the world's reasonably assured resources at less than US$80/kg U.
In 2009-10, Australia exported 7,555 tonnes of U3O8 valued at $758 million. Australia supplies uranium only to those countries party to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT); have an Additional Protocol on strengthened safeguards in force with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); and with which Australia has a Bilateral Safeguards Agreement.
As one of the world’s largest producers of uranium, Australia has a leadership role in ensuring the sustainable development and responsible use of this globally important energy resource. Consequently, the Australian Government’s policy is that uranium exploration and mining will only be approved subject to stringent environmental and safety requirements in line with world’s best practice.
South Australia, the Northern Territory and Western Australia allow for exploration and mining of uranium, while Queensland allows only exploration; Victoria and New South Wales do not permit uranium exploration or mining. The States and Territories regulate the day to day operations of uranium mines in their jurisdictions and provide mining licence approvals.
Australia has three mines in operation from which all production is exported:
- The Ranger open pit mine in the Northern Territory which is owned and operated by Energy Resources of Australia (majority owned by Rio Tinto), and employs around 500 personnel;
The Olympic Dam underground polymetallic mine in South Australia, of which BHP Billiton is the owner and operator. It is the world’s largest known uranium deposit, employing around 3,500 to 4000 personnel for the entire mining operation; and,
The Beverley In situ Recovery (ISR) mine in South Australia, of which Heathgate Resources is the owner and operator, and employs 140 personnel.
Honeymoon, an In Situ Recovery deposit also in South Australia, is due to start operations in 2011.
The uranium industry in WA has seen a significant resurgence in development following the lifting of the ban on uranium mining in 2008. The most advanced uranium projects are Yeelirie, Lake Maitland, Lake Way/Wiluna Uranium project, Mulga Rock and Kintyre. These projects are well into environmental assessment process, and some may commence production as early as 2013.
Further information about Australia's uranium industry is contained in the Uranium Industry Fact Sheet and any enquiries should be directed to the Uranium Industry Section via e-mail at uranium@ret.gov.au.
Uranium Council
The Uranium Council, formerly known as the Uranium Industry Framework) contributes to national wellbeing through the progressive and sustainable development of the Australian uranium exploration, mining, milling and exporting industry in line with world’s best practice standards.
The Uranium Council’s work consists of four themes: Competitiveness, Sustainability, Stewardship and Indigenous Communication and Economic Development. The terms of reference are available from the Uranium Council’s webpage.
Export permits for uranium and other controlled ores
Under Regulation 9 of the Customs (Prohibited Exports) Regulations 1958 export of goods listed in Schedule 7 of the Regulations is prohibited unless permission is obtained from the Minister for Resources and Energy or an authorised person. This includes minerals, ores and concentrates containing more than 500 parts per million (ppm) of uranium and thorium combined. The Uranium and Controlled Ores Export Permissions web page contains further information on permit application requirements.
A review of the Controlled Ores policy has been undertaken in line with the recommendations from the 2007 Controlled Ores policy outcomes ands focussed on zircon. A further review of the adequacy of Regulation 9 and the goods specified in Schedule 7 will commence in 2011. There has been an increasing number of exports containing uranium and thorium above the 500 ppm threshold, anfd the Department is working to minimise disruption to companies while achieving adequate safeguards.
Further Information
For further information please contact the Uranium Industry Section via e-mail at uranium@ret.gov.au.
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