Thursday, 7 December, 2006

ABC NT Local News

The uranium industry's peak lobby group says it is unlikely China's demand for uranium will prompt the reopening of the Jabiluka mine.

The mine was mothballed in 2001 amid low uranium prices and opposition from the local Mirrar people.

A federal parliamentary committee yesterday recommended Parliament sign agreements that would make it possible to export Australian uranium to China.

But the Australian Uranium Association's Michael Anguin says Australia already produces enough uranium to meet China's likely demand.

"China would probably source about 2,500 tonnes per annum of its needs from Australia," he said.

"Australia currently produces about 12,000 tonnes per annum and rising and the Switkowski report predicts a doubling of our exports potentially by 2015, so Australia is very well placed to meet the demand from China."