A parliamentary question probes the government's stance on a potential uranium mine conversion by Rio Tinto, given the stated uranium mining prohibition. The answer outlines the legal obligations and intent to balance the ban with investment reputation.

AnsweredQoN 374Legislative Council
Asked
19 December 2002
Portfolio
State Development

QuestionView source ↗

(1) Does the Department have any information that RTZ is considering converting leases over the Kintyre Uranium prospect into Mining Tenements?
(2) If yes, how will such a conversion be viewed in light of the Government’s stated prohibition on the mining of uranium?
(3) Will mining tenements covering uranium deposits granted prior to the introduction of the Government’s legislation be covered by this legislation?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
5 March 2003
Responded by
Parliamentary Secretary representing the Minister for State Development
Response time
76 days
1. Yes. Rio Tinto Exploration Pty Ltd has applied for Mining Lease 45/695 over this area as a conversion of portion of the company's Exploration Licence 45/73. 2. Under the present Act I am required to examine each application on its merits. I must do this at the time the application is before me. 3. The Government's legislation will seek to ban the mining of uranium in a way that seeks to maintain the State's high reputation as a reliable place to invest and do business.
2. Under the present Act I am required to examine each application on its merits. I must do this at the time the application is before me. 3. The Government's legislation will seek to ban the mining of uranium in a way that seeks to maintain the State's high reputation as a reliable place to invest and do business.
3. The Government's legislation will seek to ban the mining of uranium in a way that seeks to maintain the State's high reputation as a reliable place to invest and do business.

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