Green light for Pilbara uranium mine

Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Marmion has welcomed the decision by Federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt to grant environmental approval for the Kintyre uranium mine in the east Pilbara. “This marks another important step forward for Western Australia’s uranium industry,” Mr Marmion said. “I’d like to congratulate Kintyre’s operator, Cameco Australia, on reaching this significant milestone in the development of the mine, which will bring jobs and community benefits to the local community and the State.”

 Kintyre received conditional approval from Western Australian Environment Minister Albert Jacob last month. The project is subject to conditions including that it must commence within five years, comply with strict reporting conditions, make environmental data publicly available and take extensive fauna protection measures.

The Minister said the State Government was committed to responsibly developing the uranium industry and that West Australians should be reassured by WA’s robust safety and environmental regulations.

 The State now has four uranium projects in the advanced stages of development at Wiluna, Yeelirrie, Kintyre and Mulga Rock. “More than $300 million has been invested in WA uranium exploration since the Liberal National Government lifted the mining ban in 2008,” Mr Marmion said. “With positive signs for a price recovery, including recent progress on an export agreement between Australia and India, these mines could be exporting $1 billion worth of uranium by 2020.”