Wiluna project highlights State's uranium future

The proposed Wiluna uranium project highlights the importance of the Liberal National Government's long-term support for Western Australian uranium mining and the business and job opportunities it will generate.

  • Potential 900 tonnes annual production

  • WA industry promises up to 1,300 long-term jobs 

The proposed Wiluna uranium project highlights the importance of the Liberal National Government's long-term support for Western Australian uranium mining and the business and job opportunities it will generate.

Visiting the Toro Energy Ltd's site today, Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Marmion said it was well positioned to become the State's first uranium exporter.

"Our determination to back this industry has already seen more than $300 million invested in uranium exploration and development," Mr Marmion said.

"Toro's Wiluna project is expected to employ up to 350 people during construction and then support 170 full-time jobs, with a production life of at least 25 years."

The Minister said it was also good for the global environment, with Toro aiming for annual uranium concentrate exports of 900 tonnes a year from four mine sites in the Wiluna area.

"That translates into a potential saving of 33 million tonnes a year of carbon dioxide emissions, compared to coal-fired power generation," he said.

"Despite challenging market conditions, I have no doubt that world uranium demand will grow in the wake of December's Paris climate change agreement and the renewed focus on lowering carbon emissions."

Mr Marmion said Western Australia was now well-placed to capitalise on this expansion, with world-leading regulation ensuring safe and responsible development.

"WA's four uranium projects promise to employ 1,300 people and create a $1 billion export industry, so uranium is good news for local communities and the State as a whole," he said.

Fact File

  • WA's four potential uranium projects are Yeelirrie, Wiluna, Mulga Rock and Kintyre

  • Yeelirrie is the largest resource (127.3 million pounds), followed by Wiluna (80.5 million pounds), Mulga Rock (75.03 million pounds) and Kintyre (55 million pounds)

  • China has 30 operating reactors, with plans to double nuclear power generation by 2020

  • India is building six reactors and has a further 22 planned

  • The World Nuclear Association lists 439 reactors operating worldwide, with 64 being built and 159 on order or planned 

Minister's office - 6552 6800