The federal government expect to finalize a uranium sales deal with the United Arab Emirates by mid-2012, Resources and Energy Minister Martin Ferguson says. Australia is the world's third leading uranium exporter and has three mines in process, but does not use nuclear power. Australia's existing uranium customers contain the United Kingdom, United States and China. "I was in Sydney last week to continue discussions with United Arab Emirates, to conclude negotiations as soon as possible through respect to our chance to actively sell uranium to the UAE," Mr Ferguson said at a business function in Perth on Wednesday.
The UAE would require entering into a bilateral agreement with Australia, Mr Ferguson said. "We will pursue those discussions over the next 12 to 15 months or so." The talks showed the government's stance on the uranium sector had not been affected by Japan's Fukushima nuclear power plant crisis, he said. "Events in Japan have not changed the Australian government's position with reverence to our uranium mining, export and nuclear power policies."
Mr Ferguson said he was working with the uranium sector to set up a national record for radiation dose levels among the industry's workers. "It's something we assured in the lead-up to the 2007 election. ”It's been an subject I must say I first raised through my union in the 1970s when I was involved in recruit uranium workers as members, so for me it's been a extended standing interest. "In my opinion, previous governments should have put a dose register in place and we will complete that duty this year."
The UAE would require entering into a bilateral agreement with Australia, Mr Ferguson said. "We will pursue those discussions over the next 12 to 15 months or so." The talks showed the government's stance on the uranium sector had not been affected by Japan's Fukushima nuclear power plant crisis, he said. "Events in Japan have not changed the Australian government's position with reverence to our uranium mining, export and nuclear power policies."
Mr Ferguson said he was working with the uranium sector to set up a national record for radiation dose levels among the industry's workers. "It's something we assured in the lead-up to the 2007 election. ”It's been an subject I must say I first raised through my union in the 1970s when I was involved in recruit uranium workers as members, so for me it's been a extended standing interest. "In my opinion, previous governments should have put a dose register in place and we will complete that duty this year."
