The Western Australian Government has announced it has granted environmental approval for the construction of the state’s first uranium mine.

 

The proposed Toro Wiluna uranium mine will now progress for Commonwealth environmental approval and a number of other key processes within the state’s EPA.

 

Toro Uranium welcomed the decision, saying that it follows an extensive, three-year consultation process and the ‘most thorough environmental and technical studies, and rigerous assessment by government agencies’.

 

 “Toro welcomes Minister Marmion’s decision to approve the first uranium mine since the change in uranium policy by the Western Australian Government in 2008. This represents a true achievement by many people who have worked diligently to deliver a project that will provide benefits to the local community, as well as to Western Australia, in an environmentally sustainable manner,” Toro’s Managing Director, Greg Hall, said today.

 

The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia (CMA) also welcomed the announcement.

 

“CME is strongly of the view that for the WA resources sector to continue to thrive, it’s important we continue to diversify our export base,” CME Chief Executive Reg Howard-Smith said. 

“By embracing new commodities like Uranium, we can increase jobs and opportunities for Western Australians while also reducing our global carbon emissions. 

 

However, the Conservation Council of Western Australia has expressed its misgivings over the project, saying that the project has been expedited by the Government at the expense of a thorough investigation of the potential environmental impacts.

 

Conservation Council of WA Nuclear Free campaigner Mia Pepper said, “Minister Marmion’s announcement confirms that this Government intends to fast track a uranium mine as part of their political agenda.

 

“This proposal has no complete mine closure plan or costings, it will run out of water in seven years and no alternatives have been evaluated, scientists are still naming a new plant species found near the mine site, and Toro are yet to finalise their transport management plan.