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Highlights
- New poll indicates increasing public support for lifting the uranium mining ban in Western Australia.
- Survey reveals economic and environmental benefits resonate with respondents.
- Potential for Western Australia to become a major global uranium producer.
A recent survey commissioned by the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC) has revealed that a growing number of Western Australians support lifting the uranium mining ban. The poll, conducted by Painted Dog Research, surveyed 806 respondents from both metropolitan and regional areas, highlighting shifting public sentiment toward uranium mining.
According to the findings, 57% of participants expressed support for lifting the uranium mining ban, a significant increase from a similar industry poll conducted in 2023, which recorded 49% in favor. The rising approval rate suggests that more Western Australians are recognizing the economic and environmental benefits of uranium mining.
The survey also found that 58% of respondents view uranium mining as a key factor in reducing global carbon emissions, aligning with the increasing global shift toward cleaner energy sources. Meanwhile, only 15% of those surveyed opposed uranium mining, showing minimal resistance to the potential industry growth.
AMEC CEO Warren Pearce stated that the results highlight the public’s growing acknowledgment of uranium mining’s contribution to both the economy and state development. He emphasized that Western Australia, known for its strong mining industry, possesses the expertise and regulatory framework to conduct uranium mining safely and responsibly.
“This survey reflects the recognition that Western Australia has the capability to develop a successful uranium industry while maintaining high safety and environmental standards,” Pearce said. “It is now up to the government to consider revisiting its stance on the uranium mining ban.”
The current ban, which was introduced in 2017, has limited the state’s ability to tap into Australia’s vast uranium resources. With an estimated 1.68 million tonnes of uranium reserves, Australia holds the world’s largest known deposits—twice the amount of Kazakhstan (815,200 tonnes) and significantly more than Canada (588,500 tonnes). Despite this, Australia remains the fourth-largest uranium producer, trailing behind leading nations such as Kazakhstan, which accounted for 42% of global uranium production in 2022.
Industry experts believe that lifting the ban could position Western Australia as the eighth-largest uranium supplier worldwide, driving investment, job creation, and economic diversification beyond traditional mining sectors like iron ore and gold. Pearce noted that uranium mining could establish a new multi-billion-dollar export market for the state.
The poll also revealed that 46% of respondents were unaware of Australia’s longstanding history of safe uranium mining, which has been conducted for over five decades. AMEC suggests that further public education on uranium mining’s track record and regulatory standards could help bridge this knowledge gap.
With the Western Australian state election approaching on March 8, 2025, AMEC urges the government to clarify its position on uranium mining and whether the ban could be reconsidered if re-elected. The decision could have far-reaching implications for the state’s economic future and its role in global energy markets.
As public support grows and the demand for cleaner energy solutions increases, Western Australia stands at a pivotal moment in determining the future of its uranium industry.
