The NSW minerals industry is calling for a sensible debate about the responsible exploration and scientific discovery of the State’s uranium resources.

The Government’s announcement to allow uranium exploration brings NSW into line with South Australia, the Northern Territory, Western Australia and Queensland where exploration is permitted.

NSW Minerals Council CEO Stephen Galilee today welcomed the decision to overturn a ban that had become outdated.

“We support the responsible exploration and scientific discovery of all of the State’s mineral resources, including uranium,” he said.

“A number of other States already allow the exploration of uranium and the Federal Government has recently updated its policy position to permit exports to India for energy generation.

“This is likely to generate some debate and we would like to see a reasonable discussion about the science. Undertaking this exploration will tell us what the facts are so that there can be a reasoned assessment and informed decisions can be made.

“Any uranium explorers permitted to operate in NSW under the new laws would have to work to the highest standards and within strict environmental criteria.”

Mr Galilee said that there was little information about the State’s uranium resources.

“The current laws have even prevented the development of a database of uranium resources that have been uncovered through other exploration activities in NSW,” he said.

“The Government can now start building its understanding of any potential uranium deposits so our policy makers can make informed decisions about all of the State’s assets in the future.”