Monday 13 March 2006
ABC NT Local News

The Northern Territory Mines Minister says he hopes to see more uranium mining operations started in the Territory in the next few years.

Kon Vatskalis has just returned from a week-long trip to North America where he met mining companies and promoted the Territory as a mining resource.

He says the trip confirmed there is enormous international interest in the Territory as a place for gold and base metal mining.

Mr Vatskalis says the increasing demand for nuclear energy in China and the prospect of the Federal Government allowing India to buy Australian uranium are also likely to mean more mines for the Territory.

"In other states you've got some restrictions from the local governments from the state governments, here in the Territory it's a federal issue," he said.

"It's more likely to see new uranium mines in the Territory than anywhere else in Australia."