QRC: Time to consider uranium mining in Queensland

THE Queensland Resources Council (QRC) says Queensland is missing out on a multi-billion dollar addition to our resources and energy industry which would also lower global emissions, because of bans on uranium mining.

QRC chief executive Ian Macfarlane today told the House of Representatives inquiry into the prerequisites for nuclear energy in Australia that Queensland uranium could be mined sustainability and economically.  The most recent valuation estimated Queensland’s uranium deposits to be worth about $10 billion. 

“Queensland is literally sitting on billions of dollars of value to our local communities and our economy.  But the ban on uranium mining prevents us from reaping the benefit of regional jobs, investment and royalty taxes,” Mr Macfarlane said.

“Queensland’s uranium reserves are not only a valuable export, but they also have a role to play in delivering reliable and low-emissions power.

“Both the BP Energy Outlook 2019 and the International Energy Agency recognise that nuclear energy has a role to play in making significant reductions to global greenhouse gas emissions. Under the advanced emissions reductions scenarios modelling in both reports, nuclear energy use will grow between 2.3 percent to 7 percent each year through to 2040," Mr Macfarlane said.

“Even accounting for less aggressive emissions reductions models, nuclear energy will be an important option for countries that want to ensure reliable, low-emissions power in the decades ahead.

“There are already more than 316,000 jobs associated with the Queensland resources industry, and more than 70 percent of them are in regional Queensland.

“Uranium mining would provide an opportunity to add to those jobs and support new jobs in other industries such as refining and manufacturing," he said.

“A growing uranium industry will also support the State’s North West Minerals Province.  An increase in uranium exploration or development will increase the state of knowledge of Queensland’s resource endowment.

“This may well lead to the discovery of important new deposits of uranium as well as other elements and resources. 

“Queensland can develop its uranium industry in a sustainable way. Queensland has some of the highest environmental standards in the world and all resources projects undergo a rigorous assessment process. Uranium mines in Queensland would be subject to the same high standards.

“Queensland has an abundance of energy options, including coal, gas, solar and uranium for nuclear energy.

“It is sensible for this review to take place to look at the long-term options for uranium exports, and in the longer-term, nuclear energy generation.”

www.qrc.org.au

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