Australia Nuclear Update

Australia does not have any nuclear power reactors, and it is all too easy for the nuclear industry to consider it as an important but sleepy source of uranium. It is time to take another look.

For over 20 years, Australia has had a “three-mines policy”: only three mines (Beverley, Olympic Dam, and Ranger) are licensed to mine uranium. The policy was instituted by the Australian Labor Party in response to antinuclear sentiment.

But last week, the Australian Federal government, under opposition leader John Howard, announced that it would take responsibility for licensing new mines in the Northern Territory. Most of Australia’s area is administered by state governments, and the Federal government does not have the constitutional authority to license mines in the states, but the legal status of the Northern Territory is different.

Over the weekend, there was more news that Australia had been in talks with China about uranium exports. And as noted here by Duncan Bell, Australian Minister of Science Brendan Nelson has just today strengthened his support for nuclear power.

Our friends down under may not have any power reactors today, but look for them to play an important role in the nuclear renaissance.

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