Western Australia Keeps uranium ban despite India export deal and industry pressure
The Western Australian government reiterated that it will not lift its long-standing prohibition on uranium mining, even as a new trade pact with India fuels industry optimism.
Western Australia’s administration affirmed that its uranium mining prohibition remains unchanged, a position restated by newly sworn-in Mines Minister Daniel Pastorelli during his opening remarks at the Diggers and Dealers Mining Forum in Kalgoorlie. The ban, introduced after the 2017 Labor victory, allows only projects approved under the prior Liberal-National government, with Deep Yellow’s Mulga Rock the sole remaining candidate meeting the criteria.
Industry voices cite a surge in worldwide uranium demand and a landmark export deal with India as incentives to revisit the rule, and the Indian high commissioner expressed enthusiasm for additional supply. Environmental advocates and opposition leaders argue that ecological hazards and historically low uranium prices, which once fell to US$21 per pound, make mining imprudent. Nevertheless, the WA Chamber of Minerals and Energy highlighted recent price rebounds to US$85 per pound, suggesting commercial viability for the state’s extensive deposits.
Why it matters
The ruling decides if Western Australia will develop its large uranium reserves, impacting jobs, export earnings and environmental policy.
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