Premier Jay Weatherill backs expansion of uranium mining in South Australia

PREMIER Jay Weatherill has backed an expansion of uranium mining in the state, as recommended by a Royal Commission, while also continuing to explore the prospect of a nuclear dump.

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PREMIER Jay Weatherill has backed an expansion of uranium mining in the state, as recommended by a Royal Commission, while also continuing to explore the prospect of a nuclear dump.

A day after floating long-term plans for a referendum on a high-level nuclear waste dump, Mr Weatherill today addressed the Royal Commission findings in Parliament.
Mr Weatherill rejected recommendations urging he talk to the Federal Government about removing legal bans on uranium enrichment and nuclear power in Australia.

He also rejected a recommendation that the State Government remove state legislation stopping an “orderly, detailed and thorough analysis” of establishing nuclear waste storage in SA.

Recommendations accepted include simplifying mining approvals for uranium and backing more scientific studies of where ores can be uncovered.

Premier Jay Weatherill. Photo Tricia Watkinson

The Government will also promote commercialisation of work undertaken at the SA Health and Medical Research Institute cyclotron.

Mr Weatherill said the Government response would lead to development of a “new state wide mineral exploration drilling initiative to support the discovery of new mineral deposits in SA, with a particular focus on uranium”.

He said the Government will “not pursue policy or legislative change” to develop a nuclear dump, after the Opposition pulled support for the project.

“The Government has concluded the only path forward is the resolution of bipartisanship and broad social consent through a state wide referendum,” he said. “The Government will continue to encourage discussion and remain open to pursuing this opportunity.”