Minerals Council of Australia calls for lifting of uranium mining ban in push for nuclear energy

The Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) says the Coalition’s long-term energy plan has highlighted the need for governments to remove uranium mining bans.

The MCA says the plan, which includes a role for nuclear energy, demonstrates significant cost savings and emissions reductions.

The opposition party’s broad portfolio of low-emissions technologies includes gas and renewables, which the MCA says are essential if Australia is to meet its net-zero emissions goals by 2050.

Part of the solution

MCA chief executive officer Tania Constable says nuclear energy must be part of the solution.

“Independent analysis by Frontier Economics demonstrates nuclear power should be a critical technology on the table for Australia to consider, as it is elsewhere around the world and particularly among Australia’s strategic partners,” Ms Constable said.

“The modelling dispels arguments that nuclear is uneconomic and that removing the ban would be a distraction.”

Ms Constable said nuclear energy’s inclusion in Australia’s energy mix is a logical next step for a nation that already has a world-class nuclear industry.

“Uranium is the essential fuel that powers nuclear energy and Australia’s abundant reserves position it as a critical player in the global transition to clean energy.”

Key to cutting emissions

The MCA says Australia’s uranium exports avoid 200 million tonnes of global carbon emissions annually, demonstrating the critical role it plays in global decarbonisation.

Expanding production could see that figure rise to 600Mt, further solidifying Australia’s reputation as a trusted global supplier of clean energy solutions.

Ms Constable said that lifting bans on uranium mining in Western Australia and Queensland was overdue.

“Meeting global demand for this critical resource means Australia can help slash emissions worldwide while creating jobs and boosting local industry.”

“Developing a robust uranium industry not only supports Australia’s domestic nuclear aspirations but also strengthens its strategic partnerships with allies such as the United States, United Kingdom and Japan.”

Pivotal role

The MCA chief said that, by ensuring a secure, high-quality supply of uranium, Australia can play a pivotal role in enabling the global rollout of nuclear power—essential to meeting ambitious decarbonisation targets.

“We cannot afford to wait any longer to kickstart the work on developing a civilian nuclear energy option,” she said.

“The time to act is now – every delay risks missing out on clean, reliable and affordable energy that Australians urgently need for the future.”

Soaring energy costs

In unveiling its energy strategy, opposition leader Peter Dutton said Australians are facing soaring energy costs, record levels of hardship, small business insolvencies and growing uncertainty under Labor’s renewables-only energy plan.

He said the analysis from Frontier Economics reveals the Coalition’s balanced energy mix – including zero-emissions nuclear power – offers a cheaper, cleaner and more consistent alternative while delivering massive savings for Australian families and businesses.

“The Coalition’s energy plan will save Australians up to $263 billion compared to Labor’s renewables-only approach – a 44% saving for taxpayers and businesses,” he said.

‘Excessive burden’

According to Mr Dutton, Labor’s energy plan comes at five times the cost Australians were initially promised.

“This excessive burden is already being felt by families and businesses, with energy bills rising by up to 52% and more than 25,000 businesses forced to close their doors in part due to skyrocketing energy costs.”

“In contrast, the Coalition’s approach integrates zero-emissions nuclear energy alongside renewables and gas, delivering a total system cost significantly lower than Labor’s.”

“This means reduced power bills for households, lower operating costs for small businesses and a stronger, more resilient economy.”