Lifting the Uranium Mining Ban in WA: A Shift Towards Nuclear Energy in Australia?
The Liberals have made a bold statement regarding Australia's energy and mining future by proposing to lift the ban on uranium mining if they win the next election in 2025. This move comes in the wake of significant developments in Australia's defence capabilities, particularly with the procurement of nuclear submarines. However, beyond defence, the implications of this decision are far-reaching and could reshape the country's energy landscape.
As the nation navigates its energy transition, a well-informed and inclusive dialogue on nuclear energy's benefits and challenges will be crucial in shaping Australia's energy future.
Firstly, let's delve into the political context. The Liberals need to secure 28 seats for an outright victory, having only won 2 seats in the previous election, this will be no walk in the park! However lets not forget the backdrop to the last election was all about closed borders during Covid, which garnered substantial support from West Australians. Against this backdrop, the Liberals' proposal to lift the uranium mining ban signals a strategic move to appeal to a broader base of voters, especially those in favour of economic development and job creation.
The decision to lift the ban holds immense potential for fresh investment in the exploration industry. Given the current price of uranium and the possibility of discovering other valuable minerals like Vanadium, Copper, Rare Earth Elements (REE), and Gold alongside uranium deposits, this move could stimulate significant growth in the mining sector. Moreover, with the nickel and somewhat the lithium industry facing challenges, investment in uranium mining could provide a much-needed boost to the resources sector.
One of the critical considerations driving this shift is the emergence of advanced technologies, particularly in the realm of nuclear power. The development of the eVinci microreactor being pioneered by Westinghouse, presents a transformative opportunity for the mining industry. These micro reactors, capable of powering operations for up to 8 years once activated, could substantially reduce reliance on traditional energy sources like diesel, leading to significant cost savings and environmental benefits. To put this in context when I worked at the Nullagine Gold project it ran a 9MW diesel power station and Nifty Copper ran a 21MW gas power turbine. The scale of the reactors is really in the sweet sport for long life new mines! Think about the numerous deliveries of diesel to site that this would have saved, not to mention the carbon emissions!
Australia's existing infrastructure for handling nuclear waste further strengthens the case for embracing nuclear energy. The approval of the Sandy Ridge repository in Western Australia, designed to store low-level radioactive waste (one of only a few in the world), reflects the country's readiness to manage nuclear-related materials responsibly. With plans underway to establish a high-level nuclear waste facility to support the AUKUS nuclear submarine program, Australia is poised to address concerns about radioactive waste management comprehensively.
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The shift towards nuclear energy also carries significant environmental advantages. For every 22 tonnes of uranium used, equivalent to 26 tonnes of uranium oxide, approximately one million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions are saved compared to coal. Given Australia's substantial coal production (Australia is the third largest exporter of fossil fuels in the world) and export volumes, transitioning to nuclear energy could substantially reduce the nation's greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change.
It's essential to address the historical apprehensions surrounding nuclear energy, often rooted in Cold War-era fears. Modern advancements in nuclear technology, stringent safety protocols, and effective waste management strategies have mitigated many of the risks associated with nuclear power.
The Liberals' proposal to lift the uranium mining ban marks a significant step towards embracing nuclear energy in Australia. This move not only holds economic promise through job creation and investment but also presents an opportunity to reduce carbon emissions and foster sustainable energy practices.
#nuclearpower #uranium #nuclear #u308 #westinghouse #nuclearenergy #mining #miningindustry #mineralexploration
Moxy operator at CORESTAFF
9 个月RIO TINTO management at Ranger Mine covered up , workers covered in Uranium Tailings, You wont find anything about it, all covered up
Interesting read
Executive Producer - Real Estate -Finance- Mining- Hemp
1 å¹´https://artisanalgold.org/2024/01/04/planet-tv-studios-unveils-new-frontiers-documentary-series-featuring-the-artisanal-gold-council/
Exploration Geologist / MAusIMM
1 å¹´Cold War fears have been replaced by new appreciation of the costs. Plus Fukushima reluctance. You conveniently gloss over the NIMBYism which will drive reactor location restrictions. You believe that appealing to pro-development voters will secure Mettam et al. 29 seats, but that is a 'develop at any cost' mentality not shared by anyone outside the Liberal Party. You also naively discard the politics of coal and gas which drives the rhetorical position of Dutton and Mettam and the Liberals: that any solution except renewables is preferable, especially an overly expensive and impractical and impolitical solution such as nuclear. This is Lyle Shelton's dead cat thrown on the table: the idea is, as we are doing, we discuss nuclear as a soluton instead of getting on with solar and wind and batteries. This is a dud policy position, and it's being floated to drive differentiation between the Liberals and Labor, and it's safe because they must know they will not win, so there's no risk they will have to implement it.
Technologist
1 å¹´There's no chance of mining Uranium in Western Australia.