Queensland revs up for uranium mining
The Queensland Government has indicated it will restart uranium mining in the state following the release of a Cabinet a report on the subject.
After being elected in March 2012, the Campbell Newman-led, Queensland Government wasted little time in announcing its support for the recommencement of uranium mining in the state.
Implementation Committee,” AMEC regional manager Eastern States Bernie Hogan said.
“AMEC supports the Queensland Government’s thorough review. It is important to recognise the Newman Government aims to establish world’s best practice environmental and health and safety standards in the uranium industry.
“AMEC looks forward to continuing to work with the government in further developing the uranium exploration and mining sector in Queensland in order to provide jobs and significant revenue streams that can be used for regional community services.”
In its report the committee has concluded that, “With certain adaptations, Queensland’s existing system for regulating mining and radiation safety is appropriate for uranium mining and therefore a new legislative framework is not needed to regulate a Queensland uranium mining industry.”
Despite there being no need for legislation the committee has recommended the existing framework can be adapted to ensure uranium mining can recommence in Queensland within a best practice framework.
The recommendations relate to new institutional arrange
In October the government established the Uranium Mining Implementation Committee and charged it with the responsibility of designing a best practice policy framework for the development and operation of the uranium industry in Queensland.
The committee heard more than 70 submissions from local, national and international sources as well as travelling to Northern Territory, South Australia, and Western Australia.
Particular focus was paid to the Mt Isa and Townsville regions, where the committee met with government, industry, uranium mining operators, transport and port authorities, Traditional Owners, and community organisations.
The report was greeted with a thumbs up from the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC).
“AMEC welcomes the report released today from the State appointed Uranium Mining ments to be put in place the committee considers will improve coordination of assessment and approvals for uranium mines.
These include ensuring cooperation between regulatory agencies; improving engagement with stakeholders.
The recommendations also include an initiative to assist Indigenous people to access the benefits from uranium mining and the resources industry.
Queensland Natural Resources and Mines Minister Andrew Cripps announced an inter-departmental committee will be established to consider the report’s findings.
“This group will submit a draft report to the Resources Cabinet Committee outlining an implementation strategy for the recommendations, including identification of any budget implications and necessary legislative changes,” The ABC reported him as saying.
“We will also establish a Uranium Mining Stakeholder Committee comprising representatives from local governments, Indigenous groups, industry, environment and natural resource management groups in accordance with the report’s recommendations.”
