The revival of uranium mining is one step closer in Queensland, with premier Campbell Newman visiting north-west parts of the state to oversee the government initiative.
Touring Mount Isa today (January 17), Mr Newman said the Uranium Implementation Committee is making progress with developing a best-practice framework to manage and regulate a uranium mining and export industry in Queensland.
With about $10 billion worth of deposits undeveloped in parts of the state, the recommencement of uranium mining could generate thousands of jobs, as well as opening up opportunities for apprenticeships in Queensland.
“The Uranium Implementation Committee has been hard at work over the past few months examining how the industry operates in the Northern Territory, South Australia and Western Australia, and what approval processes they use,” the premier explained.
“Within the next few weeks, the committee plans to travel to Mount Isa to meet with industry, indigenous and local government representatives, before reporting back to the state government in March with their recommendations.”
The initiative may also provide a boost to indigenous employment, with north-west communities well positioned to take advantage of future developments.
Today’s announcement comes after the Queensland government announced last year it is lifting a decade-long ban on uranium mining, with the resource not mined in the state since 1982.
