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New Uranium Mining Projects - Western Australia

(last updated 19 Jun 2024)

Western Australia

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Ambassador · Bennet Well · Carley Bore · Centipede · Dawson-Hinkler · Kintyre · Lake Maitland · Lake Way · Manyingee · Mulga Rock · Nowthanna · Nyang · Wiluna · Yanrey · Yeelirrie

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Based on the results of a desktop evaluation, this project [Wiluna Project (E53/1603) - not to be confused with Toro Energy's Wiluna project] is being re-positioned as a Muriate of Potash project replacing the former uranium focus as well as a gold exploration project. (Zeus Resources Ltd Nov. 1, 2021)

Western Australia introduces ban on new uranium mine projects

No new uranium mines will be allowed in WA under new mining restrictions announced by the State Government, but four previously approved projects can go ahead.
Under the new policy announced today, all mining leases granted will include a "no uranium mining" condition, but Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston said the government had clear advice it could not overturn the previously approved projects.
The four projects are Toro Energy's Wiluna project, Cameco's Kintyre and Yeelirrie projects and Vimy Resources' Mulga Rock project. (Perth Now June 20, 2017)

Uranium exploration in mining tycoon's backyard in Pilbara

Appeals Court dismisses mining tycoon's attempt to stop uranium exploration in his backyard: Mining magnate Andrew Forrest has failed in an attempt to halt applications for uranium exploration on Minderoo. Mr Forrest had challenged a decision by the WA Mines Minister Bill Johnston to allow the company, Cauldron Energy, to apply for three exploration licences in the area. In a unanimous decision, WA's Court of Appeal dismissed Mr Forrest's arguments, also noting that the Minister had not yet decided whether to grant or refuse Cauldron's applications. (ABC Aug. 17, 2017)

Supreme Court dismisses mining tycoon's attempt to stop uranium exploration in his backyard: Mining magnate Andrew Forrest has lost another attempt to stop a company run by Perth Glory owner Tony Sage from drilling for uranium on the Forrest family cattle station in Western Australia's Pilbara.
The Supreme Court of Western Australia on Friday (Aug. 27) dismissed an application by Mr Forrest and his wife Nicola's company Forrest & Forrest for a review of a ministerial decision allowing Cauldron Energy to explore parts of the Forrest family's Minderoo Station. The decision by Justice Paul Tottle comes after nearly four years of legal wrangling between the Forrests and Cauldron Energy, which counts Mr Sage as its executive chairman.
A spokeswoman for Minderoo Station said: "We do support mining as long as it respects environmental management and is fully compliant with the law." (Sydney Morning Herald Aug. 28, 2016)
On Sep. 15, 2016, Mr Forrest lodged an appeal in the WA Court of Appeal. (AAP Sep. 16, 2016)

Mining tycoon files more mineral exploration applications near his backyard - to protect it from other miners?: Mining billionaire Andrew Forrest has applied for four new mineral exploration applications near his expanding cattle operations in Western Australia's Pilbara. The Fortescue Metals Group chairman's new investment vehicle, Squadron Resources, applied for the licences in late September and early October, according to mineral tenement databases. They are on or near Mr Forrest's own pastoral leases, including the Nanutarra station.
The location of Mr Forrest's exploration and mining leases - almost all of them are for pastoral stations he holds the leases on - have raised questions over whether he has a bone fide interest in the minerals or is using them to block miners from potentially disturbing his cattle operations. A spokesperson for Mr Forrest said the area was prospective for copper, gold and uranium exploration. "We will continue to deploy funds into the exploration sector and meet all obligations and maintain the pristine environment," the spokesperson said.
Past investigations by The Australian Financial Review have found that Mr Forrest used companies run by friends or himself, such as Fortescue, to lodge numerous exploration applications over his childhood Pilbara home, Minderoo station, to prevent other miners from accessing it. (North Queensland Register Oct. 14, 2015)

Minister allows uranium exploration in reluctant mining tycoon's backyard, overturning Mining Warden's decision: On Jan. 7, 2014, Cauldron Energy announced that the Minister for Mines and Petroleum has decided not to accept the Mining Warden's recommendation to refuse Cauldron's applications for three new uranium exploration licenses on and adjacent to the Minderoo pastoral station.

Warden's Court sanctions mining tycoon's opposition to uranium exploration in his backyard: Several cases involving Minderoo have been brought before the WA Warden's Court , which hears disputes over mining exploration licenses. In a win for Mr Forrest, the Warden's most recent ruling refused three applications from junior Cauldron Energy to explore for uranium on the station. Mr Forrest's lawyers objected to the proposed licenses on several grounds including; the impact drilling would have on pastoral activities, dust, stress to stock and the risk to the environment, particularly the Ashburton Fluvial Aquifer. In handing down his decision last Friday (Feb. 14), Warden Kevin Tavener cited the financial capacity of Cauldron as one of the key reasons for the refusal. Cauldron Energy released a statement to the ASX on Monday (Feb. 17) indicating its intention to appeal to WA Mines Minister Bill Marmion to overturn the Warden's decision. (ABC Feb. 19, 2014)
> Download: Mining Warden's decision 2014 WAMW 3, Feb. 14, 2014 (140k PDF)

Mining tycoon opposes uranium exploration in his backyard: Andrew Forrest, Australia's richest man who made his fortune digging up iron ore, is fighting bids to exploit the mineral wealth under his own half-a-million acre family ranch in the nation's remote northwest outback. Forrest, 51, founder and executive chairman of Fortescue Metals Group Ltd., the biggest seller of high-yield debt in the mining industry, sued to block attempts (by Cauldron Energy Ltd) to search for uranium on his Minderoo ranch and last month failed in a bid to halt sand mining on the property. (Bloomberg Feb. 18, 2013)

Western Australia co-funds uranium exploration drilling

On June 12, 2013, the successful applicants for Round 7 of the Co-funded Exploration Drilling Program were announced, including five projects exploring for uranium. On June 26, 2013, Enterprise Uranium Ltd announced it received A$ 75,000 for its Byro Project and A$ 90,000 for its Ponton project.

On Dec. 4, 2012, Western Australia's Mines and Petroleum Minister Norman Moore announced the successful applicants for Round 6 of the Co-funded Exploration Drilling Program. The program provides co-funding of up to 50 per cent of direct drilling costs with caps of $150,000 for a multi-hole project, $200,000 for a single deep hole, and $30,000 for a prospector's project. The list of the 57 successful applicants includes five exploring for uranium.

Union opposes uranium mining in Western Australia

A major union is vowing to overturn Labor leader Mark McGowan's decision on uranium mining. Earlier this year, Mr McGowan softened Labor's anti-uranium stance, saying if the party wins power at the State election it will not close any mines that have already received final approval. South Australian company, Toro Energy, is within a whisker of that deadline. It hopes to open WA's first uranium mine near Wiluna and is expecting the project to be approved by the end of the year.
But Steve McCartney from the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union

says the union will be lobbying hard to reverse Mr McGowan's decision. "Our main objections are we don't want our members exposed to uranium," he said. "We believe it's unsafe. We believe that this is an industry we don't need in Western Australia." (ABC Aug. 31, 2012)

Remote walk against uranium mining in Western Australia

Anti-nuclear protestors trek about 200 kilometres from Yeelirrie to Leonora to protest against uranium mining in Western Australia. It may seem like a futile gesture, trying to raise awareness in one of Australia's most remote locations. But, the protestors, who have come from across Australia to take part in the walk, believe the event is all the more important given this week's sale of WA's largest uranium reserve, Yeelirrie, to Canadian uranium producer, Cameco. (ABC Aug. 31, 2012)
> View Walkatjurra Walkabout - Walking for Country

, August 20 to September 14, 2012

Western Australia uranium protest march over 1250 km begins

Anti-uranium protesters will begin their 1250km march from Wiluna to Perth today in their fight to have mining of the ore banned. Walk Away From Uranium Mining

protesters will travel through two proposed uranium mining sites - in Wiluna and Yeelirrie - before arriving in Perth nearly a month later on October 27.
Since the Barnett Government formally overturned a ban on uranium mining in November 2008, there have been dozens of exploration applications submitted in WA. Australia has about 40 per cent of the world's uranium reserves with 5 per cent in WA, most of it in the Yeelirrie deposit, 400km north of Kalgoorlie. Three proposals, including BHP's Yeelirrie, Mega Uranium's Lake Maitland and Toro Energy's Wiluna Lake way project, are advanced enough to begin production within the next few years. (PerthNow Aug. 21, 2011)

Anti-uranium protest at uranium mining conference in Fremantle

Anti-uranium campaigners have staged a protest outside Australia's largest annual uranium conference. About 30 protesters voiced their opposition to uranium mining outside the Australian Uranium Conference on in Fremantle. Politicians and uranium industry delegates are attending the forum to discuss the future of the industry in WA, which as yet has no operational uranium mine. The Conservation Council of WA organised the rally, which included Australian Manufacturing Workers Union WA boss Steve McCartney, Greens MP Robin Chapple and Fremantle Mayor Brad Pettitte. (ABC July 21, 2011)

Call for new ban on uranium mining in Western Australia

Activists and opposition politicians in Western Australia are urging the state to ban the mining of uranium, saying potential dangers are "off the scale." A statewide ban on uranium mining in effect from 2002-08 was lifted by the Liberal Party two years ago when it was voted into power in the state, Inter Press Service reported Monday (Aug. 9). The Australian mining company BHP Billiton plans to develop a uranium deposit near the town of Kalgoorlie-Boulder in 2011 in a $15.6 billion project. The mine is set to operate in 2014, with an annual yield of 3,500 tons of uranium ore.
The Wongatha Aboriginal clan that calls the region home opposes all uranium mining. "We don't need uranium mining in this country," Wongatha leader Geoffrey Stokes said. "We have sun, we've got wind, we've got people. Why should we pollute our country for money?" Politicians of the opposition Labor Party, who put the ban in effect when they were in power, agree. (UPI Aug. 9, 2010)

Anti-uranium protesters gather at uranium mining conference in Fremantle

Dozens of protesters gathered outside a uranium mining conference in Fremantle today (July 21). Greens Senator Scott Ludlam says there is a range of reasons why uranium mining should be stopped. "It's definitely an occupational health and safety issue and that's why we've got the union movement down here supporting us," he said. "This kind of mining, uranium mining is not like other kinds of mining. The environmental impact, social impact, transport issues for communities that surround the mines; very, very different to other kinds of mining." (ABC July 21, 2010)

Traditional owners raise concerns over proposed uranium mining in Western Australia

Traditional owners in Western Australia's Pilbara and mid-west have been learning about uranium mining and radiation through a series of workshops. The Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation organised the event, with workshops being held in Geraldton, Carnarvon and Karratha. Yamatji's chief executive, Simon Hawkins, says traditional owners raised a number of concerns. "Obviously the impact on country, the transport of the actual product and if there's any issue associated with the transport ... if there was a spillage on country," he said. "A lot of them were concerned about the impact on flora and fauna and the ability to access country should it be contaminated or sterilised as a result of uranium mining." (ABC Aug. 6, 2009)

Anti-uranium protesters rally at Global Uranium Conference in Fremantle

Anti-uranium protesters have rallied in Fremantle this morning (July 22) throwing yellow sand as international delegates arrive for uranium talks. More than 120 people converged on the doorstep of the Global Uranium Conference, throwing dyed yellow sand - representing yellow cake or uranium concentrate - and demanding BHP's proposed $17 million Yeelirrie mine be scrapped.
Ban Uranium Mining Permanently

campaigner Kate Vallentine said the protesters want to make it clear that uranium is too dangerous, too dirty and too risky. Among the protesters was shadow environment minister Sally Talbot, Noongar elders, conservation groups, union members, families and the clown army. Alongside those who are against uranium mining altogether, the Conservation Council of WA are demanding a 30-year-old Act governing uranium mining in WA be overhauled. (Perth Now July 22, 2009)

Conservation Council calls for referendum on uranium mining in Western Australia

WA's peak environment body has called for a referendum on uranium mining after the Barnett Government announced it would become a reality within four years. Minister for Mines and Petroleum Norman Moore said yesterday the only thing that could stop the go-ahead would be a drastic reduction in demand for the resource. But the Conservation Council of Western Australia

wants the issue decided by public ballot. (Perth Now Jan. 31, 2009)

Western Australia government lifts uranium mining ban

The West Australian government has formally lifted an administrative ban on uranium mining, opening the way for dozens of new projects throughout the state. The previous Labor government had excluded uranium from all mining and exploration leases since June 2002. WA Premier Colin Barnett says cabinet has decided that the ban should be lifted immediately. (The Age Nov. 17, 2008)

Western Australia to lift ban on uranium mining

Premier-elect Colin Barnett and Nationals leader Brendon Grylls -- who will form Western Australia's new Liberal-Nationals government -- both support uranium mining. (The Australian Sep. 16, 2008)

Indigenous landowners protest proposed West Australian legislation to ban uranium mining

Proposed West Australian legislation to ban uranium mining fails to take into account the plight of Aboriginal communities who stand to benefit from mining royalties, the Western Desert Land Aboriginal Corporation (WDLAC) says.
The WA Labor government on Aug. 26, 2008, pledged to strengthen its anti-nuclear policies by introducing legislation to ban uranium mining if re-elected at the September 6 poll. Premier Alan Carpenter, after long maintaining such legislation was not necessary, said the time was right to enshrine Labor's position in law.
But WDLAC chief executive Clinton Wolf said that with WA holding up to eight uranium deposits, including several in the Western Desert area of the Martu people, the decision had been taken without consulting the people it was most likely to affect. The WDLAC, on behalf of the Martu, holds native title rights and interests covering 136,000 square kilometres of land within the Central Western Desert region. Mr Wolf said there were numerous uranium mining opportunities on Martu land, including the major Kintyre deposit which Rio Tinto recently sold to the Cameco/Mitsubishi consortium for more than $500 million. (The West Australian, 27 August 2008)

Aboriginal group to seek stakes in Western Australia uranium projects

An Australian Aboriginal group hired a commercial adviser at investment bank Carnegie, Wylie & Co. to negotiate stakes in potential uranium mining projects in Western Australia, including Rio Tinto Group's Kintyre venture. Joe Procter at Sydney-based Carnegie Wylie will hold talks on behalf of the Martu aboriginal people to secure royalties and free equity stakes in projects, Clinton Wolf, chief executive officer of Western Desert Land Aboriginal Corp., a group representing the Martu, said today. The aim is to help eradicate poverty among the Martu people, he said.
The Martu people have rights over 136,000 square kilometers of land in Western Australia, covering exploration ventures operated by Canada's Cameco Corp. and Mega Uranium Ltd. Their average wage is about A$9,000 ($7,963) a year and life expectancy is about 20 years shorter than for non-aboriginal Australians, Wolf said. (Bloomberg July 25, 2007)

Western Desert Lands Aboriginal Corporation approves uranium exploration on Aboriginal land

On Jan. 10, 2007, Mega Uranium Ltd. announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Redport Ltd., has signed a Land Access Agreement and Land Exploration Agreement under Native Title Legislation with the Western Desert Lands Aboriginal Corporation ("WDLAC") in Western Australia. The LAA covers Redport's Kintyre Rocks Project exploration tenement applications, which are located adjacent to tenements over Rio Tinto Ltd's Kintyre uranium resource, and other ground held by Cameco Australia Pty Ltd.

Western Australia Upper House rejects nuclear power, uranium mining

The Upper House of the Western Australian Parliament has passed a motion rejecting nuclear power and uranium mining in the state. Labor and the Greens supported the motion, as well as rejecting a Liberal amendment to have an inquiry into nuclear waste storage. (ABC June 29, 2006)

Western Australia Government bans uranium mining for nuclear uses

The Western Australian Government has announced a ban on mining uranium and thorium for nuclear purposes, under mining leases granted from June 23, 2002. The Mining Act will be amended accordingly. (ABC June 23, 2002, Hon. Clive Brown release June 22, 2002)

Western Australia upper house Committee to look at uranium

The Ecologically Sustainable Development Committee of Western Australia's Legislative Council is to examine uranium mining proposals in the state, and provide opportunity for public comment on them in September. West Australian 23/7/97 [UIC Weekly News Summary 25 July 1997]

Nowthanna

> View deposit info

Native title group fails to disallow Nowthanna uranium lease: Wutha native title group has failed in its bid to disallow a uranium lease on its claim about 40km south-southeast of Meekatharra.
In February last year the group had objected to uranium exploration company Nova Energy holding a "retention lease" on the Nowthanna project within the Wutha claim boundaries. According to National Native Title Tribunal member Helen Shurven, who heard the case earlier this month, the parties had a "useful discussion". Ms Shurven said they discussed the rights and responsibilities associated with a retention licence, as compared with an exploration or mining licence. To complicate matters, the retention lease is on part of the Wutha claim that overlaps a competing native title claim from the Yugunga-Nya people. A tribunal representative said Nova already had an agreement with the Yugunga-Nya people.
Nova Energy operates as a uranium exploration company for its parent company Toro Energy. Toro owns the Wiluna uranium project consisting of the Centipede, Millipede, Lake Maitland and Lake Way uranium deposits 30km south of Wiluna, which it has approval to mine. (The West Australian Jan. 26, 2018)

Yanrey project

> View deposit info

Positive Scoping Study announced for acid in situ leaching of Bennet Well uranium deposit at Yanrey project: On Dec. 13, 2023, Cauldron Energy Pty Ltd announced the results of a Scoping Study for in situ leaching of the Bennet Well uranium deposit at its Yanrey project.

Bennet Well uranium deposit amenable to acid in situ leaching: On March 24, 2014, Cauldron Energy Ltd announced that testing of samples from the Bennet Well deposit shows acid leaching without the need for additional oxidant has achieved high uranium extraction.

Carley Bore deposit, Nyang project

> View deposit info

Scoping Study finds Carley Bore uranium in situ leach project "potentially" robust ... at twice the current uranium price: On Apr. 15, 2014, Energia Minerals Ltd announced that an independent Scoping Study "indicates that Energia's 100%-owned Carley Bore uranium deposit in WA is potentially an economically robust project" and recommends proceeding to a Field Leach Trial. The Scoping Study was based on a uranium price of US$ 60/lb U₃O₈, almost twice UxC's current spot price of US$ 33.00/lb U₃O₈.
> Calculate Mine Feasibility

Positive Scoping Study results announced for Carley Bore uranium deposit: On May 16, 2013, Energia Minerals Ltd announced "strong results" of the Scoping Study for its Carley Bore uranium project.

Scoping Study commissioned on Carley Bore uranium deposit: On April 29, 2013, Energia Minerals Ltd announced that it has commissioned a Scoping Study on the potential to develop an In Situ Recovery (ISR) operation based on the Carley Bore uranium deposit.

Dawson-Hinkler

> View deposit info

On Oct. 19, 2010, Toro Energy Ltd announced that it has executed a Memorandum of Understanding with U3O8 Ltd to acquire for A$6.2 million, 100% of the Dawson-Hinkler Well Uranium Project near Wiluna in Western Australia. On Dec. 10, 2010, U3O8 Ltd announced that the sale has been finalised.

On Oct. 19, 2009, U3O8 Limited announced that it has lodged an application for a Mining Lease over its Dawson-Hinkler uranium deposit near Wiluna in Western Australia.

Lake Maitland

> View deposit details

Toro announces revised scoping study on Lake Maitland as stand-alone uranium mine project: On June 18, 2024, Toro Energy Ltd announced a revised scoping study on Lake Maitland as a stand-alone uranium mine project with V₂O₅ by-product, based on a uranium price of US$ 85/lb U₃O₈ and a vanadium price of US$ 5.67/lb V₂O₅.
> Calculate Mine Feasibility

Toro changes plans for Lake Maitland uranium mine, again: On Oct. 3, 2023, Toro announced that it commences the Lake Maitland Extension Study to incorporate material from Lake Way and Centipede-Millipede uranium deposits into the proposed processing operation at Lake Maitland.

Toro announces positive scoping study on Lake Maitland as stand-alone uranium mine project: On Oct. 24, 2022, Toro Energy Ltd announced the positive outcome of a scoping study on Lake Maitland as a stand-alone uranium mine project with V₂O₅ by-product, based on a uranium price of US$ 70/lb U₃O₈ and a vanadium price of US$ 5.67/lb V₂O₅.

> View Lake Maitland as extension of Wiluna project

On Aug. 12, 2013, Toro Energy Ltd. announced that is to acquire the Lake Maitland deposit from Mega Uranium Ltd. On Nov. 19, 2013, Mega Uranium Ltd. announced that it has closed the previously announced sale.

On June 21, 2011, Mega Uranium Ltd. announced that it is postponing completion of the Project Feasibility Study.

On Oct. 25, 2010, Mega Uranium Ltd. announced that it has received approval from the Environmental Protection Authority of Western Australia for the Environmental Scoping Document for the Lake Maitland project. Mega is targeting the third quarter of 2011 to have the Environmental Review and Management Programme released for public review.

On Sept. 29, 2010, Mega Uranium Ltd. announced that it has received approval from the Western Australian Department of Mines and Petroleum to undertake a Test Pit Program at Lake Maitland. The Program will involve the excavation of two test pits, approximately 40 m long by 25 m wide and 5 m deep, and will take approximately 6 weeks to complete. On completion of the excavation work, the test pits will be backfilled and the site rehabilitated.

On June 21, 2010, the Project Scoping Document for the Lake Maitland Uranium Project was released for public comment.

Summary: Mega Lake Maitland Pty Ltd proposes to develop the Lake Maitland Uranium Deposit in the Eastern Goldfields Region of WA. The anticipated mine life is 10 years producing the equivalent of about 1000 tonnes per annum of uranium peroxide concentrate In accordance with the Environmental Protection Act 1986, a draft Environmental Scoping Document has been prepared which describes the proposal and the investigations which are proposed by Mega Lake Maitland to investigate the likely effects of the project on the environment.

Comments have to be filed by July 5, 2010.
> Download Project Scoping Document (10.2M PDF): Mega Uranium Ltd.

· WA EPA

On Nov. 19, 2009, Mega Uranium Ltd. reported that it has lodged formal referral documents with the Western Australian and Australian governments for the environmental assessment of its Lake Maitland uranium project in Western Australia. "Following the granting of our Mining Lease in October, the lodgement of the referrals documents is another major step in the approvals process for Lake Maitland, which is on schedule to commence uranium production in 2012," Mega's President, Stewart Taylor said.
> View EPBC referral Reference Number: 2009/5220

On Oct. 19, 2009, Mega Uranium Ltd. reported that the Western Australia Department of Mines and Petroleum has granted its subsidiary, Redport Exploration Pty. Ltd., a Mining Lease ("ML") for its Lake Maitland uranium project. The ML is the first mining lease to be granted for a uranium project in Western Australia since the newly elected State Government announced in November 2008 that it had removed the ban on uranium mine development in Western Australia.

New West Australia government isses first uranium lease for Lake Maitland project: Canadian miner Mega Uranium has been granted the first uranium-specific mining lease to be approved by the Barnett government. Mega executive vice-president project development, Peter McNally, told The Australian the company hoped to start construction at its Lake Maitland prospect in the eastern goldfields by mid-2011. While numerous approvals are still needed, Mr McNally said Mega was well-advanced in the design phase to build a small uranium processing plant to export about 750 tonnes a year from early 2012. The project, which is a joint venture with Japan's JAURD and Itochu Corporation, is worth up to $3 billion in exports over its 10 to 12-year life. (The Australian Sep. 29, 2009)

On Oct. 21, 2008, Mega Uranium Ltd. reported that it has received a positive preliminary economic assessment (first pass scoping study) of its Lake Maitland uranium resource in Western Australia. Mega "is now focused on advancing the project through to production in 2011".

Manyingee

> View deposit details

Paladin Resources is planning to exploit the Manyingee uranium deposit using the in-situ leaching technology. Once Paladin has confirmed the resource and carried out metallurgical testwork, it hopes to begin a feasibility study in the middle of 1999. The company is looking at making a development decision by about 2001. (Australian Mining Monthly Oct. 1998 )

Mulga Rock

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Native title deal could present obstacle to development of Mulga Rock uranium mine project, analyst says: The fallout from a native title decision in WA's Great Victoria Desert could contaminate development of the State's most advanced uranium project, according to a nuclear policy analyst.
Late in November the Federal Court recognised the Upurli Upurli Nguratja native title claim covering 26,692sqkm in the Goldfields region, equating to an area about two-thirds the size of Switzerland.
Deep Yellow's Mulga Rock uranium project is a 290km drive east-north-east of Kalgoorlie within this vast and sparsely populated landscape.
Australian Conservation Foundation nuclear policy analyst Dave Sweeney told The West Australian the native title decision puts the local Indigenous community on a stronger legal footing and places a big obstacle in front of Deep Yellow developing Mulga Rock. (The West Australian Dec. 28, 2023)
> View: Hansen on behalf of the Upurli Upurli Nguratja Native Title Claim Group v State of Western Australia [2023] FCA 1460 , Federal Court of Australia, Nov. 28, 2023

Protest against Mulga Rock uranium mine project at Deep Yellow AGM: Nuclear Free WA protested outside Deep Yellow's annual general meeting on November 25 against the company's plans to mine uranium at Mulga Rock, north west of Kalgoorlie. The Upurli Upurli traditional owners absolutely oppose it.
Deep Yellow holds the only uranium deposit in Western Australia. This was the company’s first AGM following its merger in August with Vimy Resources.
Mia Pepper, Nuclear Free Campaigner at the Conservation Council of WA (CCWA), who has been tracking the mine plans for more than 10 years, said it faces more opposition than ever. Deep Yellow does not have "any agreement with the Native Title claim groups" and "it doesn't have the finance", she said. (Green Left Nov. 28, 2022)

Ground breaking at Mulga Rock uranium mine project: Vimy Resources has begun development of the Mulga Rock uranium project in Western Australia after receiving approval for its operational radiation management plan (ORMP). Excavation has begun on the Ambassador North pit ramp at Mulga Rock, as Vimy aims to access Australia's largest undeveloped uranium resource near Kalgoorlie. Western Australia's Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) approved the ORMP following the project's mining approval in early October.
A water pipeline has also begun construction by Polyline Pipe Systems (PPS) after mobilising its mobile high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe system. An initial 8.5 kilometres of pipe will be laid in the first stage of a 32.5 kilometre pipeline from the site of the future Kakarook North borefield.
The commencement of mining activities and pipeline construction have narrowly preceded the project's five-year approval expiry date of December 16. (Australian Mining Dec. 13, 2021)

Protest against Mulga Rock uranium mine project at Vimy Resources' AGM: Vimy shareholders were met with about 20 anti-uranium mining protesters and Traditional Owners at today's [annual shareholder] meeting. (The West Australian Nov. 26, 2021)

Company claims "substantial commencement" has beaten government deadline at Mulga Rock uranium mine project - while investment decision not yet taken: The company developing Western Australia's first uranium mine says it has beaten a deadline set by the state government to begin operations.
In December 2016, the former Liberal-National government granted environmental approval for the Mulga Rock project in the eastern Goldfields, 300 kilometres north-east of Kalgoorlie-Boulder.
The approvals only last five years and have been further complicated by the current Labor government's decision to reinstate a ban on uranium mining.
While a final investment decision on the $393 million Mulga Rock project is not anticipated until the second half of next year, Vimy Resources claims that the clearing of 143 hectares that cover the proposed open pit and the presence of an accommodation village ticks the box for the start of operations.
The company has been progressing early site works since September, which also includes the refurbishment of an airstrip.
Vimy Resources told the stock market today it has submitted documents notifying the Department of Water and Environment Regulation of "substantial commencement". (ABC Nov. 26, 2021)

Environment groups call for urgent review of 'pointlessly destructive' vegetation clearing threatening endangered marsupial at Mulga Rock uranium mine project site: State and national environment groups have made a fresh call for review of the contested Mulga Rock uranium project in WA [Western Australia], amid growing concerns over rushed vegetation clearing and threats to the endangered sandhill dunnart [a species of small carnivorous Australian marsupial].
Mining company Vimy Resources is in a self-described 'race' to demonstrate it has made 'substantial commencement' of the controversial project ahead of the expiry of a key approval on 16 December.
"Works at the site are pointlessly destructive," said Annica Schoo, the Australian Conservation Foundation's (ACF) Lead Environmental Investigator. "The company lacks a series of required approvals, plans and agreements, does not have the capital to start mining and has not made a final investment decision to proceed."
The Conservation Council of WA (CCWA) and ACF have called on the WA and federal governments to urgently investigate a potential breach of conditions at the site, east of Kalgoorlie in the Great Victoria Desert.
The groups are calling for an urgent departmental review of land clearing at the site which is occurring without an approved Sandhill Dunnart Conservation Plan -- a key requirement of the company's federal approval which expressly prevents clearing vegetation for an airstrip at the site. (Australian Conservation Foundation Nov. 17, 2021)

Mining Proposal and Mine Closure Plan approved for Mulga Rock uranium mine project; earth works commencing: On Oct. 1, 2021, Vimy Resources Limited announced that the Western Australian Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) approved the Mulga Rock Mining Proposal and associated Mine Closure Plan on 29 September 2021.
With approval of the Mining Proposal, Project Management Plan and Conditional Environmental Management Plans, Vimy can now implement the Early Works Program, including vegetation clearing, stockpiling of topsoil, excavation of overburden and construction of overburden landforms. The Company’s earthworks contractor is preparing to mobilise personnel and equipment to site immediately.
The EP [Environmental Protection] Act requires a works approval to be obtained before constructing prescribed industrial premises. Vimy is now working cooperatively with DWER [Department of Water and Environmental Regulation] on the Mulga Rock Project works approval submission.

Project Management Plan approved for Mulga Rock uranium mine project: On Aug. 27, 2021, Vimy Resources Limited announced that the Western Australian Department of Mines Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) has approved the Mulga Rock Project Management Plan, which is one of three WA Government departmental approvals required to implement the Project.

Final Environmental Management Plan approved for Mulga Rock uranium mine project: On Apr. 8, 2021, Vimy Resources Limited announced that the Above Ground Tailings Storage Facility Monitoring and Management Plan has been approved by WA's Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER). This is the final approval of all Condition Environmental Management Plans (CEMP) required.
> Download: Above Ground Tailings Storage Facility Monitoring and Management Plan (Outcome-Based Condition Environmental Management Plan), Mulga Rock Uranium Project, EMP-EHS-009, Version 2, Revised 14 January 2021 (735kB PDF)

Updated Definitive Feasibility Study announced for Mulga Rock uranium mine project: On Aug. 26, 2020, Vimy Resources Limited announced the results of an updated Definitive Feasibility Study on its Mulga Rock Project in Western Australia.
The study assumes a uranium sales price of US$ 55 per lb U₃O₈, while the current spot price is US$ 31.15 per lb U₃O₈.

Report casts doubt over viability of Mulga Rock uranium project: Vimy Resources has relied on heroic assumptions about prices, unfounded optimism about a booming nuclear industry, and has ignored regulatory risks and mine closure costs in its Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) for the proposed Mulga Rock uranium mine to the east of Kalgoorlie, a new report by the Australia Institute has found.
The report, commissioned by the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) and the Conservation Council of WA (CCWA) , will be released tomorrow as shareholders gather at Vimy Resources AGM in Perth.
Dr Cameron Murray of The Australia Institute said, "The report clearly shows that, based on plausible assumptions about exchange rates and uranium prices, the proposed Mulga Rock uranium mine is unprofitable." (CCWA Nov. 29, 2018)
> Download: Mulga Rock uranium project Uneconomic and unlikely , by Dr Cameron K. Murray, The Australia Institute, 2018 (677kB PDF)

Positive Definitive Feasibility Study announced for Mulga Rock mine project: On Jan. 30, 2018, Vimy Resources Ltd anounced the completion of the Mulga Rock Uranium Project Definitive Feasibility study. The study assumes a uranium sales price of US$ 60 per lb U₃O₈, while the current spot price is US$ 23 per lb U₃O₈.
> Calculate Mine Feasibility

Mulga Rock uranium mine project obtains federal Environment Minister's approval: On March 2, 2017, federal Minister for Environment and Energy Josh Frydenberg approved the development of Vimy Resources' Mulga Rock uranium mine project subject to conditions.

Mulga Rock uranium mine project obtains state Environment Minister's approval: On Dec. 19, 2016, Vimy Resources Ltd announced that the Western Australian Minister for Environment, the Hon. Albert Jacob MLA, has decided to approve the implementation of Vimy's Mulga Rock Project subject to implementation conditions.

Minister partly allows appeals against EPA's Report and Recommendations on Mulga Rock uranium mine project: On Nov. 25, 2016, West Australia's Minister for Environment partly allowed the appeals lodged in objection to the Environmental Protection Authority's Report and Recommendations in respect to the Mulga Rock uranium proposal.
The precise wording of the amended conditions will be determined through the consultation process under section 45(1) of the Environmental Protection Act 1986.
> Download: Minister's appeal decision 50-73/16 , Nov. 25, 2016 (47kB PDF)
> Download: Appeals Convenor's Report 50-73/16 , Nov. 2016 (827kB PDF)

Preliminary works at Mulga Rock uranium mine project permitted while environmental approval still pending: Vimy Resources has received special permission to begin preliminary work on its Mulga Rock uranium project in the Goldfields, despite Environment Minister Albert Jacob not yet giving final approval for the project.
Last month, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) recommended Mulga Rock be approved, but Mr Jacob is yet to give the final nod and a parallel process running under Federal environmental legislation is not yet completed. (The West Australian Sep. 27, 2016)

Appeal lodged against WA EPA's recommendation for approval of Mulga Rock uranium mine project: An appeal has been lodged against the Environmental Protection Authority's recommendation to approve the proposed Mulga Rock uranium mine in Western Australia's Goldfields region. The appeal was lodged on Monday (Aug. 29) by the Conservation Council of WA, the Australian Conservation Foundation, The Wilderness Society, Friends of the Earth Australia and the Anti Nuclear Alliance of WA. The grounds for appeal include environmental factors for flora and fauna, mine closure, tailings management and impacts to water. (Sky News Aug. 30, 2016)

State Environmental Protection Authority recommends approval of Mulga Rock uranium mine project: A new uranium mine in Western Australia's Goldfields has been recommended for approval by the state's environmental watchdog, just weeks after a similar proposal in the area was knocked back. The Environmental Protection Authority [EPA] granted the approval for Vimy Resources' Mulga Rock uranium project, which is 240 kilometres east-north-east of Kalgoorlie, subject to a range of conditions. Final approval is still required from both the state and federal environment ministers.
The company plans to mine up to 4.5 million tonnes of ore per year from four deposits, to produce up to 1,360 tonnes of uranium oxide concentrate (UOC) [1,153 t U] each year, for 16 years. It wants to transport the concentrate from the site by road to Port Adelaide in sealed steel drums within a secure shipping container.
The Conservation Council of WA said it would appeal the proposed mine because it threatened a pristine environmentally and culturally-significant area. The EPA's report is open for a two-week public appeal period. (ABC Aug. 15, 2016)
Appeals period closing date: 29 August 2016.
> View WA EPA release Aug. 15, 2016
> Download Report and recommendations of the Environmental Protection Authority, Mulga Rock Uranium Project, Vimy Resources Limited , Report 1576, August 2016

Feasibility Study commissioned for Mulga Rock mine project: Vimy Resources has named GR Engineering to conduct a feasibility study for its Mulga Rock uranium project. The study will build on the outcomes of the pre-feasibility study released in November last year. (The West Australian Mar. 3, 2016)

Public Environmental Review for Mulga Rock uranium mine project released for public comment: On Dec. 14, 2015, Vimy Resources Ltd released the Public Environmental Review (PER) for its Mulga Rock Project. The project will involve shallow open pit mining of four poly-metallic deposits with commercial grades of uranium. The project has a life of mine of 16 years and will produce 1,360 t of uranium oxide concentrate [1,153 t U] annually.
Submit comments by March 8, 2016.
> Mulga Rock consultation page (WA EPA)
> Download PER documents (Vimy Resources)

Positive Pre-Feasibility Study announced for Mulga Rock mine project: On Nov. 17, 2015, Vimy Resources Ltd anounced the completion of the Mulga Rock Uranium Project Pre-Feasibility study. The study assumes a uranium sales price of US$ 65 per lb U₃O₈, while the current spot price is US$ 36 per lb U₃O₈.

Positive Scoping Study announced for Mulga Rock mine project, assuming twice current uranium spot price: On May 6, 2015, Vimy Resources Ltd anounced the completion of the Mulga Rock Uranium Project scoping study. According to Vimy, the Scoping Study indicates that the project is economic at current long-term contract prices for uranium [i.e. US$ 49 per lb U₃O₈ (UxC)]. The study uses, however, a base case uranium price of US$ 75 per lb U₃O₈ - more than twice UxC's current weekly spot price of US$ 35.75 per U₃O₈.

Comments invited on Environmental Scoping Document for Mulga Rock uranium mine project:
Submit comments by 22 December 2014.
> Download Mulga Rock Environmental Scoping Document: EAMA (4.3MB PDF) · WA EPA (1.4MB PDF)
> Download Invitation for submissions (128k PDF - EAMA)
> Access WA EPA Mulga Rock consultation page

On Feb. 26, 2015, Vimy Resources Ltd anounced that the Environmental Protection Authority of Western Australia has approved the Environmental Scoping Document for the Mulga Rock Uranium Project.

Public comment invited on Referral for Mulga Rock uranium mine project: On Dec. 6, 2013, Environment Australia released the Referral for the Mulga Rock uranium mining project.
The proposed action is the development of open pit uranium mining operations at four sites, the construction and operation of associated ore processing consisting of uranium extraction and uranium concentrate packing facilities, and the necessary infrastructure required to support this action. The preferred processing route is expected to be an agitated atmospheric pressure acid leach with resin-in-pulp extraction.
The ore would be mined by traditional open cut techniques, crushed and beneficiated and then processed at an on-site leach and precipitation treatment plant to produce up to 1,360 tonnes of uranium oxide concentrate [1,153 t U] per year. The anticipated life of mine is up to fifteen years, based upon the currently identified resources. The project currently consists of four identified deposits: Princess, Ambassador, Shogun and Emperor.
Pit dewatering will be required for open cut mining to proceed as the water table is typically between 20 to 40 metres below ground level and the water is saline. Abstracted groundwater will be considered for re-use in the processing plant and blended with additional lower salinity water extracted from a borefield located around 40 kilometres to the north-north-east. Any surplus groundwater from mine dewatering will be re-injected into suitable local aquifers of comparable or lower quality.
The site will include a processing plant, Run of Mine (ROM) ore stockpile area, construction of above-ground waste rock landforms for un-mineralised waste rock materials, an initial short term above-ground tailings storage facility and water storage/evaporation facilities. Once there is sufficient void to accommodate them, tailings will be deposited back into the pit and capped with un-mineralised waste rock.
Deadline date is 20 December 2013.
> Download Referral: Energy and Minerals Australia Limited/Mining/240 Km north east of Kalgoorlie/WA/Develop the Mulga Rock Uranium Project, Reference Number: 2013/7083
On Jan. 7, 2014, Environment Australia issued its referral decision: the project will require assessment and approval under the EPBC Act before it can proceed.

On July 20, 2012, Energy and Minerals Australia Limited announced that the WA Department of Mines has granted the mining leases for the Mulga Rock Project.

On May 9, 2011, Energy and Minerals Australia Limited announced that it has lodged two Mining Lease Applications over its Mulga Rock deposits.

On Nov. 4, 2010, Energy and Minerals Australia Limited announced a positive outcome of its scoping study on the Ambassador deposit. The study investigated uranium production by open pit mining and Resin in Pulp (RIP) of the lignite-hosted deposit, concurrent with Insitu Recovery (ISR) of adjacent sandstone-hosted deposits.

On July 12, 2010, Energy and Minerals Australia Ltd reports that ANSTO Minerals has successfully completed scoping study level process development testwork for the recovery of uranium from lignite and sandstone hosted material at the Mulga Rock Deposits. The testwork demonstrated that reasonably high uranium extraction can be achieved using conventional commercially proven processing methods.

Wiluna

> View deposit details

Traditional Owners sign mining agreement for Wiluna uranium mine project: On July 7, 2016, Toro Energy Ltd announced that it has signed an agreement with the Wiluna People providing the consent of native title holders. The agreement covers the Millipede, Centipede and Lake Way uranium deposits. There is currently no native title claim over Lake Maitland. Toro has been engaging with the Barwidgee People who claim an interest in Lake Maitland.

Millipede and Lake Maitland extensions of Wiluna uranium mine project

> View more recent Lake Maitland issues

Deadline missed for substantial start of mining at Wiluna uranium mine project: Conservationists have welcomed Toro Energy's failure to substantially start mining at its controversial Wiluna uranium project before the State Government's deadline. The divisive operation had been in the pipeline for several years, and was environmentally approved by the Barnett Government on January 9, 2017, and ruled mining must start within five years.
Now the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation has confirmed it did not receive notification of substantial commencement for the project from Toro before the January 9, 2022 deadline.
While the approval remains in existence, the project cannot start unless WA Environment Minister Reece Whitby approves a change to the original conditions set by the Barnett Government in 2017. Toro must apply to the Minister for this to happen, but the Kalgoorlie Miner understands no application was made before the deadline. (The West Australian Jan. 12, 2022)

Vanadium can be produced at small additional cost as a by-product in proposed processing plant for uranium from Lake Maitland deposit: On Feb. 8, 2021, Toro Energy announced that a completed engineering modelling study shows that vanadium (as NH₄VO₃) can be produced as a by-product of processing uranium from the Lake Maitland deposit with only a marginal increase to the capital cost of the proposed processing plant.

Federal government approves Millipede and Lake Maitland extensions to Wiluna uranium mine project: On July 5, 2017, Australia's Department of the Environment and Energy issued the approval for the construction and operation of the Millipede and Lake Maitland extensions to the Wiluna uranium mine project.

State environment minister approves Millipede and Lake Maitland extensions to Wiluna uranium mine project: Toro Energy has received State environmental approval to expand its Wiluna uranium project, five years after it became the first uranium miner in WA to secure approval at its Centipede and Lake Way deposits. The State Government tick means Toro is cleared to include the Lake Maitland and Millipede deposits to its mineral base, doubling its indicated and inferred resource to more than 40 million pounds of uranium oxide.
Under the terms of Environment Minister Albert Jacob's approval, the company would need to begin mining the deposits within five years. The company will now wait on Federal approval, which is typically decided after the State process is complete. (The West Australian Jan. 9, 2017)
> Download Ministerial Statement No. 1051 , Jan. 9, 2017 (912kB PDF)

State minister in part allows appeals against state EPA's endorsement of Millipede and Lake Maitland extensions to Wiluna uranium mine project:
> Download: Minister's Appeal Determination, Appeal Numbers: 074-087 of 2016 , Dec. 14, 2016 (66k PDF)
> Download: Appeals Convenor's report , Dec. 2016 (470k PDF)

State Environmental Protection Authority recommends approval of Millipede and Lake Maitland extensions to Wiluna uranium mine project:
Appeals period closing date: 20 September 2016.
> Download Report and recommendations of the Environmental Protection Authority , Sep. 6, 2016 (WA EPA)

Public Environmental Review for Millipede and Lake Maitland extensions to Wiluna uranium mine project released for comment: Submit comments by February 8, 2016.
> Public Environmental Review - Extension to the Wiluna Uranium Project (WA EPA)
> Download Toro Energy release Nov. 16, 2015 (470k PDF)
> Download PER Summary (2.2MB PDF - Toro Energy)
> Download PER (46.9MB PDF - Toro Energy)
> Download PER Appendices (Toro Energy)

Public Environmental Review lodged for Millipede and Lake Maitland extensions to Wiluna uranium mine project: On Aug. 25, 2015, Toro Energy Ltd. announced it has lodged a draft Public Environmental Review (PER) with the Western Australian Environmental Protection Authority (EPA). The Review assesses in detail, the impacts of the proposed extension of the Wiluna Project through development of its Millipede and Lake Maitland deposits. The PER is scheduled for release later this year for a 12 week public review.

Public comment invited on Environmental Scoping Document for Millipede and Lake Maitland extensions to Wiluna uranium mine project: On Oct. 6, 2014, Toro Energy Limited released its Environmental Scoping Document (ESD) for environmental assessment of extending the company's Wiluna Uranium Project.
Submit comments by October 20, 2014.
> View WA EPA consultation page
> Download Environmental Scoping Document , Sep. 2014 (1.6MB PDF - Toro Energy Ltd)
On Feb. 18, 2015, Toro Energy Limited announced that the the Board of the Western Australian Environmental Protection Authority has approved the Environmental Scoping Document for the Wiluna Project extension. The Public Environmental Review is to be released for consultation mid-year.

Wiluna Martu peoples against expansion of uranium mining project: Elders have condemned a move by Toro Energy to expand their yet unrealised Wiluna mine plan into a much larger uranium precinct spanning 100km and which will destroy ecologically sensitive lake systems. Local Wiluna Elder Glen Cooke said everything must be done to prevent this mine which is intended as Western Australia's first uranium mine - the first of many.
"The lives of not only our people today are at stake but the future of our people into time immemorial. This uranium mining if it goes ahead will spell the end of us as custodians of the land. It will make toxic the land, preventing us from caring for the land, it will poison the rivers that we swim in, drink and fish from," said Mr Cooke. (The Stringer Mar. 29, 2014)

Licensing process initiated for Millipede and Lake Maitland extensions of Wiluna uranium mine project: On Feb. 21, 2014, Toro Energy Limited announced it has initiated the government assessment and approval process to mine the additional deposits Millipede and Lake Maitland at its Wiluna uranium project in Western Australia.
Deadline date for comments on the referral submitted is 11 March 2014.
> View Referral 2014/7138 (EPBC)

On Oct. 12, 2016, the Department of the Environment and Energy announced that the "relevant period in which the Minister must make a decision whether or not to approve the controlled action is extended by 40 business days to 13 December 2016."

Mining Scoping Study completed on extended Wiluna project: On Jan. 30, 2014, Toro Energy Limited announced the completion of an independent Mining Scoping Study and a Preliminary Economic Assessment integrating the newly acquired Lake Maitland deposit into the Wiluna Uranium Project in Western Australia. However, as Ore Reserves are yet to be determined, Toro makes no claim as to the economic viability.
Toro will soon initiate the government assessment and approval process for both Millipede and Lake Maitland deposits.

> View older Lake Maitland issues

Wiluna project (Centipede and Lake Way deposits)

Further "potential" cost reductions announced for Wiluna uranium mine project: On March 7, 2019, Toro Energy Limited announced the results of its Scoping Study Update for the company's Wiluna Uranium Project in Western Australia. The update includes the implementation of changes to the proposed processing flowsheet design announced as part of the company's 2016 scoping study in respect of the Wiluna Uranium Project which have consequently resulted in potential improvements in the capital and operating cost of the project as well as a potential improvement in overall uranium recovery from the plant.

Ore beneficiation expected to reduce cost at Wiluna uranium mine project: On Dec. 5, 2016, Toro Energy Limited announced that Beneficiation and Process Design studies for the company's 100% owned Wiluna Uranium Project in Western Australia have highlighted the opportunity to substantially reduce the size and cost of the processing facility.
The beneficiation process involves the application of conventional screens, and cyclones (for de-sliming) to reject low grade coarse material and ultra-fine slimes to produce a high grade concentrate for leaching. The beneficiation circuit would deliver 75% mass reduction with 84% uranium recovery.

Start for Wiluna uranium mine project pushed back due to depressed market: Toro Energy has pushed back the start date for its Wiluna uranium project while it waits for market conditions to improve. The company began drilling at the project in 2014 and had expected to start operations in 2017.
"We will get to build Wiluna when we get the price that makes Wiluna economic. We are not seeing that price today," managing director Vanessa Guthrie told AAP. The project will require prices between $60 and $70 a pound to make money, Dr Guthrie said. Long term uranium prices currently hover around $45 per pound, almost half the levels of five years ago. Prices are expected to dip further because of large stockpiles.
Production at Wiluna is now likely start between 2018 and 2020. (Business Spectator Oct. 1, 2015)

Native title covering Wiluna uranium project officially acknowledged: Traditional owners from Wiluna in the northern Goldfields have been officially acknowledged by the Federal Court, enshrining their rights ahead of final negotiations over WA's first uranium mine. At a ceremony in the remote town 950 km north-east of Perth yesterday, Justice Neil McKerracher ended 16 years of process by formally recognising the native title determination of the Wiluna claim group. (The West Australian July 30, 2013)

Company in "commercial negotiations" with Traditional Owners of Wiluna uranium mine project site: Miner Toro Energy says it is in commercial negotiations with the traditional owners of the land at its proposed uranium mine site at Wiluna. Managing director Vanessa Guthrie says the local Indigenous people have been very receptive towards the $269 million project. (ABC June 28, 2013)

Viability of Wiluna uranium mine project questioned: An economist is warning that the first proposed uranium mine in Western Australia may struggle to get off the ground. The comments are made in a report, commissioned by Greens Senator Scott Ludlam and environmental groups, into the viability of Toro Energy's proposed Wiluna project. The study by 'Economics at Large' indicates the project's profitability relies on a number of sensitive factors.
Senator Ludlam claims the project will just manage to be financially viable if Toro can avoid clean-up and decommissioning costs. He says Toro has not submitted a costed mine closure plan and the numbers are against the company when the cost of the clean-up is factored in. (ABC May 20, 2013)
> Download: Osos sobre Toro: Assessment of Wiluna Uranium Project , a report for Senator Scott Ludlam and the member groups of the Anti-Nuclear Alliance of Western Australia, prepared by Economists at Large, Melbourne, Australia, 2013 (1.4MB PDF)

Wiluna uranium mine project obtains approval of federal environment minister: On April 2, 2013, federal environment minister Tony Burke approved the Wiluna uranium mine project with conditions.
> Download Decision Apr. 2, 2013 (2.7MB PDF)

Mining expert cautions about long-term environmental impacts of proposed Wiluna uranium mine: An Australian expert on mining sustainability has highlighted some of the key environmental aspects for West Australia, as the state moves closer to its first uranium mine. Monash University mining expert Gavin Mudd says the primary issues concern the management of tailings and waste rock, as well as water use, contamination and other aspects local to the mine site.
"How the mine will manage tailings -- it's not clear how that will happen effectively. There are some viable strategies in place, such as back filling the pit with tailings as the process occurs," he says. "But there hasn't been any clear, convincing information as to what the chemistry would be, or the fact that it really will be stable for 10,000 years or more."
"Waste rock also is an important issue, as leaching off of waste rock includes low grade uranium so any water that leaches has to be managed and treated. At the Rum Jungle uranium mine for example, there has been massive amounts of acid rock drainage that has leaked uranium and a range of heavy metals and salts directly into nearby river systems."
Dr Mudd also highlighted the use and contamination of ground water sources in the area as a key issue, saying there have been issues at other uranium mines across Australia and it remains unclear where water for this site will come from or what techniques will be used to source it. (ScienceNetwork WA Dec. 23, 2012)

Federal Environment Minister defers decision on Wiluna uranium mine project: Toro Energy was informed by Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke today (Dec. 18) that he wanted more information on the project before making a decision. The project has already secured State Government environmental approval. (West Australian Dec. 18, 2012)

Opponents of Wiluna uranium mine project protest at Toro Energy's AGM in Adelaide and in its West Perth office: Anti-uranium protesters are at a mining company's annual general meeting in Adelaide today to try and change the mind of shareholders. The Conservation Council of WA says shareholders are being mislead about the true state of the uranium and nuclear industries. The council's Mia Pepper says the AGM is being targeted to provide balance on the issue. "Young and new uranium companies promote a rising uranium price and an increase in nuclear power, and all the evidence suggests that's not true," she said. (ABC Nov. 28, 2012)
Anti-nuclear protesters have been escorted by police from a uranium explorer's West Perth office after they staged a brief demonstration in the company's reception area. Toro Energy, which plans to develop Western Australia's first uranium mine with its Wiluna project, said about half a dozen protesters from the Anti Nuclear Association of WA emptied three bags of dyed yellow sand onto the floor and spread it throughout the office. (Courier Mail Nov. 28, 2012)

Wiluna uranium mine project viable only after significant increase of uranium price: On Nov. 28, 2012, Toro Energy Ltd issued new details on the expected economics of its Wiluna uranium mine project. Based on forecasts "from various investment bank estimates", the company's economic model assumes a long-term uranium price of US$ 75 per lb U3O8, while the current long-term price is US$ 59.50, and the current spot price even as low as US$ 42.00.
It is, moreover, highly unlikely that a new producer will be able to sell its uranium at the full long-term price. Experience shows that the sales price will more likely end up somewhere between the spot and the long-term price. So, the mine project most likely would not be feasible at current market prices, it rather relies on significant future increases of the uranium price.
> Calculate Mine Feasibility

Protest in Perth against State's environmental approval for Wiluna uranium mine: A small group of environmentalists has marched to Parliament House in Perth to protest against a State Government decision to approve WA's first uranium mine. The Government yesterday gave South Australian-based mining company Toro Energy final environmental approval for its uranium mine near Wiluna in the northern Goldfields. Toro hopes to have the mine operating by 2014.
But a traditional Goldfields Elder says the fight to prevent uranium mining in WA is far from over. Kado Muir says a coalition of opposition groups is mobilising to prevent the mine from receiving Commonwealth approval. Mr Muir says it will be Aboriginal communities that will be most affected. Mr Muir, says several environmental and safety concerns have not been addressed by the Government. (ABC Oct. 11, 2012)
The Anti Nuclear Alliance of WA today said it would fight in court the approval granted by state environment minister Bill Marmion a day prior. ANAWA spokesman Marcus Atkinson labelled Toro "a small, inexperienced company with no proven track record" and the uranium sector "a dying industry which is unsafe, unwanted and unnecessary". The Conservation Council of WA echoed ANAWA's comments, saying the uranium sector was not welcome in WA. (Courier Mail Oct. 11, 2012)

Wiluna uranium mine project obtains State's environmental approval: Environment Minister Bill Marmion has approved the State's first uranium mine, announcing today he has granted final environmental approval Toro Energy's proposed mine near Wiluna. In May, the Environmental Protection Authority recommended the approval of the project, which would produce about 820 tonnes of uranium oxide concentrate each year over a life of 14 years. Objections to the plan were largely rejected by the Office of the Appeals Convenor late last month, and Mr Marmion delivered the final State Government Approval early this afternoon, saying the mine would be subject to "a number of strict conditions".
In a statement released by Toro Energy managing director Greg Hall said the company was still awaiting final Federal Government approvals, but welcomed Mr Marmion's decision. Toro is yet to source funding for the estimated $280 million capital costs of the project, but is targeting first production by 2014. (The West Australian Oct. 10, 2012)

Additional conditions imposed on Wiluna uranium mine project: Environment Minister Bill Marmion on Wednesday (Sep. 19) released his determination of nine appeals against the Environmental Protection Authority's (EPA's) May decision to allow the Wiluna development, as well as the report of the independent appeals committee on the proposed mine.
The committee considered 21 grounds of appeal and recommended a number of changes to the EPA's draft conditions. Marmion said that these conditions would strengthen protection of stygofauna [fauna living within groundwater systems] and groundwater-dependent vegetation, including Tecticornia samphires, and better address surface water flows, dust management and rehabilitation. Toro would also be required to research the water requirements of groundwater-dependent vegetation and more closely monitor stygofauna in the three calcrete ecosystems to be partially impacted by the proposal. (Mining Weekly 19 Sep 2012)

Decision on Wiluna uranium mine project deferred: The timeline for WA's planned first uranium mine has slipped following a rigorous environmental assessment phase. Toro Energy today announced a revised target date for a final board decision on whether to proceed with its Wiluna project in central WA, moving it back to the first half of 2013. The company had previously expected to make a final decision by the end of 2012. (West Australian July 19, 2012)

Appeals lodged against environmental approval for Wiluna uranium mine project: Two separate court appeals have been lodged against environmental approval for WA's first uranium mine, potentially delaying the controversial project. Last night, the Conservation Council of WA lodged an appeal in the WA Environment Court. Aboriginal elder and Wiluna resident Glen Cooke also lodged a separate challenge.
CCWA director Piers Verstegen said there were numerous "critical deficiencies" in the ERA's decision. "Importantly, the state government has made commitments to 'world's best practice' regulation of uranium mining in WA, but their own independent report has found that the current system fails that test," Mr Verstegen said. "We do not believe that the EPA assessment adequately deals with critical environmental risks including the management of radioactive mine tailings, contamination of groundwater and the transport of radioactive material through WA communities." CCWA also claims there was a denial of procedural fairness and the EPA failured to comply with their own procedures during the assessment process. (Sydney Morning Herald June 7, 2012)

Protest against Wiluna uranium mine project outside state EPA offices: A group of anti-uranium mine protesters have gathered outside the Environmental Protection Authority head offices. The group of about 25 people are opposed to the development of a proposed uranium mine outside Wiluna. The mine, near Lake Way in the mid-west, was granted approval by the EPA on Monday. The group waved placards and handed out pamphlets outside the offices for more than an hour outside the offices. (West Australian May 23, 2012)

Collect specimens and clone later: West Australian approach to protection of endangered species facing extinction by proposed Wiluna uranium mine...(!)
New species of native succulent plants appear to have been discovered at the site of a planned uranium mine in Western Australia, the state's independent environment watchdog says. Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) chairman Paul Vogel said it appeared new species of tecticornia were present at Toro Energy's Wiluna uranium project in the Mid-West region.
"They will need to take specimens from inside and outside the mine footprint ... to ensure that if there are new species, the genetic material is preserved. Then, when the mine is rehabilitated, you can clone those species potentially and put them back into the environment." (Trading Room May 22, 2012)

On May 21, 2012, the Western Australian Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) recommended approval for the Wiluna Uranium Project.
EPA Chairman Paul Vogel said the main ecological issues were about the protection of a local plant species called Tecticornia and the protection of underground stygofauna species. While stygofauna were unlikely to be impacted significantly, the EPA recommended strict conditions, including offsets, to ensure the protection of the Tecticornia.
The appeals period for this decision closes on June 5, 2012.
> View WA EPA release May 21, 2012 .
> View WA EPA Wiluna EIA page

On July 25, 2011, Toro Energy Ltd released its Environmental Review and Management Programme (ERMP - elsewhere in Australia known as an Environmental Impact Statement) and associated documentation for Wiluna, including a range of environmental management strategies and detailed technical study reports.

"MAJOR PROJECT COMPONENTS
Mining: The mineralisation for the Centipede and Lake Way deposits is between 1 metre and 15 metres below the land surface with the ore body varying in thickness up to about 6.5 m. Because of the shallow nature of the deposits, the open pit mining would be undertaken by surface miners and conventional excavators. Surface miners are tracked vehicles with cutting drums which can break up very thin layers of material. It is unlikely drilling and blasting would be required. As the uranium resource occurs at or below the water table in both deposits, dewatering of the open pits would be required. Water barriers would be installed to minimise the amount of water that would have to be pumped from the pits. When mining is undertaken at Lake Way, the ore would be transported by a dedicated haul road to the processing plant close to the Centipede deposit.
Processing: The ore would be processed to extract uranium by the conventional agitated leach method. The process plant would have a grinding mill, mechanically agitated leach tanks and solution thickeners. Tailings, the material left after the uranium is extracted, would be stored in mined out voids of the Centipede pit. [...]"

The closing date for submissions is 31 October 2011.
> Download Wiluna ERMP

(Toro Energy Ltd)

On Mar. 3, 2011, Toro Energy Limited announced that it has submitted an Environmental Management Review Programme/Draft Environmental Impact Statement (ERMP/Draft EIS) for its Wiluna project. The ERMP/Draft EIS has been submitted to the Environmental Protection Authority of Western Australia which is leading the Government assessment of the Project under a bilateral agreement between the Western Australian and Federal Governments.

On Sep. 20, 2010, Toro Energy Ltd announced that the Environmental Protection Authority of Western Australia (EPA) has approved the Environmental Scoping Document (ESD) for Toro Energy's 100%-owned Wiluna Uranium Project.
The EPA's approval of the ESD allows Toro to proceed with the preparation of an Environmental Review and Management Programme (ERMP) on which final Government decisions about the Project will be based. The ESD identifies the further environmental studies Toro will be required to undertake to complete its ERMP. Toro is working to have the ERMP on public exhibition in the second quarter of 2011.

On June 21, 2010, the Environmental Scoping Document for the Wiluna Uranium Project was released for public comment.
Comments have to filed by July 5, 2010.

Summary: Toro Energy Limited proposes to develop the Wiluna Uranium Project located near Wiluna, Western Australia. The project would involve mining and processing of up to about 2 million tonnes (Mt) of mineralised ore per year over an anticipated mine life of up to 14 years, producing the equivalent of about 1200 tonnes per annum of uranium oxide concentrate. In accordance with the Environmental Protection Act 1986, a draft Environmental Scoping Document has been prepared which describes the proposal and the investigations which are proposed by Toro to investigate the likely effects of the project on the environment.

> Download Environmental Scoping Document (2M PDF): Toro Energy Ltd

· WA EPA

West Australia Environment Minister dismisses appeal aiming at higher level of assessment for Wiluna uranium mine project: The Environment Minister Donna Faragher has dismissed an appeal against the level of assessment set for a uranium project in the Mid West. The Environmental Protection Authority recommended an Environmental Review and Management Program assessment be applied to Toro Energy's proposed yellow cake project, near Wiluna. The Government made a similar determination in relation to BHP's nearby Yeelirrie mine. Ms Faragher dismissed an appeal by WA Greens MP Robin Chapple, saying she was satisfied with the level of assessment applied. Mr Chapple says he is disappointed but not surprised. "The reason for the appeal was that in that particular area we're going to have a large number of uranium mines with all the prospects that are going on in that area and there is going to be cumulative impact," he said. (ABC Feb. 3, 2010)

On Oct. 28, 2009, Toro Energy Limited announced that it has lodged an environmental application for its Wiluna Uranium Project. The Wiluna referral will allow the Western Australian and Federal Governments to determine the form of environmental assessment to apply to development of the uranium resource. Toro Managing Director, Mr Greg Hall, said: "Our preferred process route currently is an alkaline heap leach operation based on open pit mining of the shallow mineralisation, at an annual rate of approximately 1.6 million tonnes, generating an average 730 tonnes p.a. of uranium oxide."
> Download Referral 2009/5174

On Apr. 9, 2009, Toro Energy Limited lodged an application for a Mining Lease over its Lake Way uranium deposit near Wiluna in WA. The Lake Way deposit, along with the Centipede deposit 15kms to the south, comprise the 100% owned Wiluna Uranium Project for Toro. The Mining Lease application at Lake Way will provide certainty regarding tenure of the deposit, however, the tenement grant would not provide any approvals for mining or operations. A mining lease has previously been granted over the Centipede uranium deposit.

On Sep. 23, 2008, Toro Energy Ltd announced that mining and processing of the Lakeway-Centipede uranium deposits would be economic at current long-term uranium prices of around US$80 per pound U3O8, according to results of a pre-feasibility study.

Yeelirrie

> View deposit details

New book marks the 50-year fight against uranium mining at Yeelirrie: For more than 50 years, a small but determined community in WA’s Northern Goldfields has fought to protect their home and their heritage from the threat of uranium mining. Now, their story is being immortalised in a new book to be launched in Perth later this month.
'Yeelirrie 50 years of resistance' is the incredible true story behind Western Australia’s longest and most bitter battle to prevent the mining of uranium in our state. It is the story of how three multinational mining companies tried -- and failed -- to dig up one of Australia's largest uranium deposits, 650 km northeast of Perth.
The book will be made available to the public for the first time at a launch event in Northbridge on March 19, presented by the Conservation Council of WA. (Conservation Council of Western Australia, Mar. 1, 2023)
> Yeelirrie: 50 years of resistance (CCWA)

Cameco requests extension of deadline for substantial start of mining at Yeelirrie uranium mine project: Cameco has requested an extension to state-level environmental approvals for the Yeelirrie project and remains committed to it, the Canadian company said. The government of Western Australia previously set a deadline of 20 January this year for the company to demonstrate "substantial commencement" of the project. (WNN Jan. 25, 2022)

Last week, WA Environment Minister Reece Whitby denied the firm's application to have the approval extended. (ABC Apr. 14, 2022)

Deadline missed for substantial start of mining at Yeelirrie uranium mine project: The controversial Yeelirrie uranium mine in Western Australia is no longer able to proceed after the proponent missed a deadline to commence works at the site in the state's northern Goldfields.
The Conservation Council of WA (CCWA) and Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) welcomed the news, saying community resistance and environmental protection had prevailed.
Global uranium mining giant, Cameco - headquartered in Canada - had five years to demonstrate 'substantial commencement' on the Yeelirrie uranium mine before environmental approvals expired on 20 January, this year. (CCWA Jan. 21, 2022)

Auditor-General asked to investigate flawed approval of Yeelirrie uranium mine: The Greens have asked the Auditor-General to investigate the approval of the Yeelirrie uranium mine in Western Australia by former federal environment minister Melissa Price, after a damning ABC report this week showed a deeply flawed approval process.
Greens Environment Spokesperson Senator Sarah Hanson-Young wrote to the Auditor-General Grant Hehir on Thursday (Jan. 14) and requested his office consider the matter.
"The Morrison Government's conduct when it comes to approval of this uranium mine stinks. Former environment minister Melissa Price, ticked and flicked the night before the 2019 federal election against the advice of her own department," Senator Hanson-Young said.
"The environmental approval of this mine smacks of political interference and cronyism.
"FOI documents show that somehow between 9.31pm and midnight, the minister managed to examine hundreds of pages of the decision package she had just received, remove key protections for threatened species and grant approval.
"The minister went against her own department's advice and did so after the company had asked her to expedite the process together with former resources minister Matt Canavan who also intervened to get the approval across the line. (Mirage News Jan. 15, 2021)

Three Tjiwarl women win conservation award for campaign against proposed Yeelirrie uranium mine: Three Tjiwarl women, Shirley Wonyabong, Elizabeth Wonyabong and Vicki Abdullah, have been awarded the 2019 Peter Rawlinson Award for their decades-long campaign to protect their country and culture from a proposed uranium mine at Yeelirrie in outback Western Australia.
Established in 1992, the Rawlinson Award is given annually in memory of ACF Councillor Peter Rawlinson -- a zoologist, lecturer in biological science and environmental campaigner. (Australian Conservation Foundation Nov. 29, 2019)

Court dismisses appeal against federal environmental clearance for Yeelirrie uranium mine: The West Australian appeal court has dismissed an appeal by Aboriginal traditional owners and the WA Conservation Council, who argued that the state's Environmental Protection Authority had recommended against approving the mine because it could lead to the extinction of 12 species of subterranean crustaceans found nowhere else. (The Australian July 31, 2019)

Yeelirrie uranium mine project obtains federal environmental clearance: On Apr. 10, 2019, Minister for the Environment Melissa Price issued the approval for the Yeelirrie Uranium Mine, without awaiting the State Supreme Court decision on the appeal filed by senior Tjiwarl native title holders and conservationists.
> Access Referral EPBC 2009/4906

Federal Government awaits State Supreme Court decision before finalising its assessment of Yeelirrie uranium mine project: The Federal Government will not make a decision on approving a contentious uranium mine in the northern Goldfields until an appeal against WA's decision to give it the green light is complete.
It means the environmental status of Australia's largest undeveloped uranium deposit, Canadian major Cameco's Yeelirrie project near Wiluna, will likely remain uncertain until at least the second half of 2019, almost three years after its approval by former WA environment minister Albert Jacob. (The West Australian Oct. 28, 2018)

Western Australia Supreme Court dismisses appeal against state approval of Yeelirrie uranium mine project: WA chief justice Wayne Martin has released his judgment dismissing CCWA 's contention that the environmental approval by the former WA Environment Minister Albert Jacob late in the former Liberal Government's term was wrong at law.
Mr Jacob's approval of Yeelirrie went against the recommendation of the Environmental Protection Agency and the WA Appeals Convenor, which stated the mine should not go ahead because it could lead to the extinction of several species of subterranean stygofauna, endemic to the area. (The West Australian Feb. 8, 2018)
> Download: Judgement [2018] WASC 34 , Feb. 8, 2018 (1.4MB PDF)

The Conservation Council of WA and traditional owners are continuing their fight against a planned uranium mine, lodging an appeal against a Supreme Court decision to uphold the environmental approval. (AAP Mar. 9, 2018)

Rediscovery of night parrot delays Federal environmental clearance for Yeelirrie uranium mine project: The rediscovery of a rare bird in inland WA has contributed to a delay in a Federal decision on the environmental clearance for a controversial uranium mine in the northern Goldfields. The Department of Environment and Energy confirmed to the Kalgoorlie Miner it had requested Cameco undertake night parrot surveys at its Yeelirrie Uranium Project, WA's biggest undeveloped uranium deposit about 70km south-west of Wiluna. The proposed mine is in the middle of a vast area covering thousands of square kilometres in central WA considered to have potential to host the rare species. (The West Australian Dec. 5, 2017)

Yeelirrie uranium project challenged in court by environment groups and Traditional landowners: The Conservation Council of WA (CCWA) and members of the Tjiwarl Native Title group, represented by the Environmental Defender's Office WA (EDO) , have commenced proceedings in the Supreme Court of Western Australia for a review of the decision by the former Minister for Environment, Albert Jacob to approve the Yeelirrie Uranium Project in the last days of the Barnett Government. (CCWA July 4, 2017)

State environmental minister approves Yeelirrie uranium mine project in spite of state EPA's opposition: The state government has approved Canadian miner Cameco's proposed Yeelirrie uranium mine in the Goldfields, despite it failing to meet one of the environmental watchdog's strict recommendations. A ministerial statement uploaded to the Environmental Protection Authority's website this afternoon revealed the Yeelirrie mine, located about 70 kilometres south-west of Wiluna, had been approved for development, and detailed the conditions. (Business News Jan. 16, 2017)
> View WA government media statement, Jan. 16, 2017
> Download Ministerial Statement No. 1053, Jan. 16, 2017 (PDF)
> View related documents (WA EPA)

State minister dismisses Cameco's appeal against state EPA's opposition to development of Yeelirrie uranium mine project: In a rare move for the pro-mining Barnett government, environment minister Albert Jacob has sided with the Environmental Protection Authority and rejected appeals by Canadian company Cameco over its proposed Yeelirrie uranium mine in the Goldfields.
The projects's fate now rests with a final decision by Mr Jacob, who said he would take account of both the EPA report as well as broader commercial and economic considerations. (Business News Dec. 14, 2016)
> Download: Minister's Appeal Determination, Appeal Numbers: 025-044 of 2016 , Dec. 14, 2016 (43k PDF)
> Download Appeals Convenor's Report , Dec. 2016 (578k PDF)

Tiny creatures prompt Australia to reject uranium mine*) - State Environmental Protection Authority opposes Yeelirrie uranium mine project: WA's environmental regulator has urged the Government to knock back plans for the development of the State's biggest uranium deposit, Yeelirrie, because of a threat to subterranean fauna in the area, 70km west of Wiluna. In a surprise move, the Environmental Protection Authority said today that Cameco's development proposal could not meet one of the nine key environmental factors examined by the EPA.
The EPA's finding will be open to a two-week public appeal period before Environment Minister Albert Jacob makes a final decision. (The West Australian Aug. 3, 2016)
*) This was the headline of the related AFP news. It instantly made it to the shortlist for our Uranium Headline of the Year Award.
> View: WA EPA release Aug. 3, 2016
> Download: Report and recommendations of the Environmental Protection Authority, Yeelirrie Uranium Project , Report 1574, August 2016 (WA EPA)

Public Environmental Review document released for Yeelirrie uranium mine project: Releasing its public environmental review (PER) document today, Cameco said Yeelirrie would be designed to produce 7500 to tonnes of uranium oxide, or yellowcake, a year, which would be packed into drums and trucked to Adelaide's port for shipping to nuclear power plant customers.
However, Cameco warned that Yeelirrie's development - it did not provide an indicative capital budget or start-up date but said up to 1200 construction jobs would be created - was reliant on "favourable market conditions and government approvals".
The PER is a key step in the approvals process and will be open for public consultation until December. (West Australian Sep. 21, 2015)
The PER is available for public review until December 14, 2015.
> View: Cameco release Sep. 21, 2015
> Download: Public Environmental Review (Cameco)
> View: Public Environmental Review - Yeelirrie Uranium Project (WA EPA)

Conservation council highlights opposition to Yeelirrie uranium mine bid: The WA Conservation Council says traditional owners and locals in the northern Goldfields oppose Canadian giant Cameco's application to mine uranium. The EPA approved a similar proposal for the same project submitted by BHP Billiton in 2010, before it was sold to Cameco in 2012. The council's Mia Pepper said a public inquiry into the project was needed. She said traditional owners and locals in the area had opposed uranium mining at Yeelirrie for 40 years. (ABC Dec. 10, 2014)

Cameco submits new referral with doubled production rate for Yeelirrie uranium mine project: On Nov. 12, 2014, Cameco requested the WA EPA to terminate the 2009 referral for the Yeelirrie project and submitted a new referral for two reasons: doubling of the ore processing rate to 2.4 million t per year, and benefits to having the project assessed under the 2012 Administrative Amendments.
Cameco Australia Ltd proposes to mine and process up to 7,500 tonnes per annum of uranium oxide concentrate for 17 years at Yeelirrie, in the Northern Goldfields region of Western Australia, approximately 420 km north of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, 65 km west of Mount Keith and 70 km south of Wiluna.
Submit comments by 30 Nov. 2014.
> Access Yeelirrie Uranium Project consultation (WA EPA)

On Mar. 12 and 17, 2015, the Australian Department of Environment announced that the Yeelirrie uranium project, as described in the variation of proposal of Dec. 5, 2014, will be assessed by accredited assessment.
> Access Referral Ref. No. 2009/4906 detail (Environment Australia)

Cameco completes acquisition of Yeelirrie uranium deposit: On Dec. 18, 2012, Cameco announced that it has completed the acquisition of the Yeelirrie uranium project in Western Australia for US $430 million.

Rio Tinto and Paladin Energy oppose sale of Yeelirrie uranium deposit to Cameco: Rio Tinto and Paladin Energy have tried to scupper BHP Billiton's $430 million sale of the Yeelirrie uranium deposit to Canadian giant Cameco by asking the Federal Government to block the deal. It is understood Rio and Paladin made separate submissions to the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) to express their opposition to the proposed sale of WA's biggest uranium deposit. However, Rio and Paladin's opposition appears to have failed, with FIRB thought to have recommended that Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan approve the deal. Rio, Paladin and Cameco did not comment. (The West Australian Nov. 22, 2012)

Traditional owner opposes Yeelirrie development: A traditional owner is planning to step up protests against uranium mining at Yeelirrie, near Wiluna. Kado Muir says the new owners of the Yeelirrie deposit in the Goldfields will have a tough time trying to develop a mine at the site. BHP Billiton has announced it is selling the deposit to Canadian-based Cameco. The Minister for Mines, Norman Moore, has welcomed the deal saying Cameco is more likely to develop a mine at the site. Mr Muir says he is concerned about the change of ownership. "With Cameco in place, it does cause quite a bit of concern for us because they are a company who will seek to develop the mine as quickly and as soon as they can," he said. "That just adds impetus to our campaign to ensure that WA remains a uranium-free state." (ABC Aug. 28, 2012)

BHP sells Yeelirrie uranium deposit to Cameco: On Aug. 27, 2012, BHP Billiton announced that it has signed an agreement to sell its wholly owned Yeelirrie uranium deposit in Western Australia to Cameco Corporation for US$430 million. The sale is subject to relevant approvals from the Australian Foreign Investment Review Board and the Government of Western Australia.

BHP's commitment for Yeelirrie uranium mine project questioned, after environmental approval process put on hold: A fortnight after admitting it had put the Yeelirrie environmental approvals process on hold, BHP Billiton is understood to have begun dismantling the senior management team charged with overseeing WA's biggest uranium development. The management changes have increased speculation that BHP is considering severing ties with Yeelirrie, south of Wiluna, because it does not fit the miner's focus on tier-one assets. Yeelirrie was slated to enter production in 2014 at a rate of 3500 tonnes of uranium oxide a year. (West Australian June 20, 2011)

Protests at BHP Billiton AGM against Yeelirrie uranium mine project: BHP Billiton has met with opposition from traditional owners over the development of the proposed Yeelirrie uranium mine at its annual general meeting in Perth today (Nov. 16). About 60 people armed with posters, banners and a live band protested the mining giant's proposed uranium project outside of the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre. The Conservation Council of WA, UnionsWA and Indigenous representatives reiterated community opposition to BHP's Australian uranium mining plans amid highlighting BHP's failure to meet its own human and environmental standards overseas.
Traditional owner Kado Muir told PerthNow that many questions still needed to be answered. "We want to know what the landscape will be like at the end of the Yeelirrie mine," Muir said. "We don't want to be left with a toxic, radioactive outback." Traditional owners emphasised that they don't want uranium mining in their backyard. (PerthNow Nov. 16, 2010)

Kalgoorlie residents protest against uranium industry: Traditional owners from across WA have joined residents and politicians in an anti-uranium protest in Kalgoorlie. The protesters are opposed to development in WA's emerging uranium industry. There are also concerns about BHP Billiton's plans to transport yellow cake from its proposed Yeelirrie mine near Wiluna to Kalgoorlie where it will be loaded on to freight trains bound for Adelaide or Darwin. About 50 people are taking part in the rally. (ABC Mar. 27, 2010)

Children accessing old uranium site: BHP Billiton says it will step up security at an old uranium testing site in Kalgoorlie after concerns children are accessing the area. Labor's candidate for the federal seat of O'Connor, Ian Bishop, says damage to a security gate has allowed children to enter the site at Hannan's north on dirt bikes. More than 5,000 tonnes of tailings from the Yeelirrie uranium deposit, near Wiluna, were buried in the area after BHP stopped testing ore-processing there in the 1980s. The company says the site has been rehabilitated and an independent study conducted last year cleared it of any dangerous radiation levels. Meanwhile, a BHP spokeswoman says the damage to the fence is being fixed and security in the area will be improved. (ABC Mar. 3, 2010)

Draft Environmental Scoping Document for downsized Yeelirrie uranium mine project available for public review: BHP Billiton has cut projections for its proposed Yeelirrie uranium mine in Western Australia by nearly a third, ruling out a heap acid leach component at the site as uneconomic. Instead of a 5000 tonne a year mine that would rival the Rio Tinto-controlled Ranger in the Northern Territory as the nation's biggest, BHP is seeking approval for a 3500 tonne a year operation, according to an environmental scoping document on the project. (Australian Feb. 9, 2010)
The draft Environmental Scoping Document is available for a public review period of 2 weeks, closing on 22 February 2010.
> View BHP Base Metals
> Download Draft Environmental Scoping Document, Yeelirrie Uranium Project, Feb. 2010 (13.5MB PDF)

Indigenous leader maintains protest against Yeelirrie uranium project: A Goldfields Aboriginal leader has vowed to continue opposing plans to establish uranium mining in the region. Geoffrey Stokes was among a group of elders and conservationists protesting outside BHP Billiton's annual general meeting in Brisbane yesterday (Nov. 26). Mr Stokes is opposed to the development of the company's Yeelirrie uranium project near Wiluna. He has accused the State Government of failing to listen to the concerns of local Aboriginal people. (ABC Nov. 27, 2009)

West Australia government denies possibility of public inquiry into Yeelirrie uranium mine project; extends consultation period: Environment Minister Donna Faragher has today ruled out holding a public inquiry into BHP Billiton's proposal for a $17 billion uranium mine in WA. WA Labor, conservation groups, Greens, indigenous communities and the Unions WA have been calling for a 30-year-old act governing uranium mining in the state to be overhauled. They say a tougher assessment process for proposed uranium mines needs to be established. But Mrs Faragher said the level of assessment had been set at the highest level under the Environmental Protection Act 1986 and a public inquiry was not possible.
"I have, however, considered the issues raised in the appeals and believe there is merit in extending the public consultation period." Ms Faragher has now extended consultation period for the public from the usual 10 weeks to 14. (Perth Now Oct. 9, 2009)

Aboriginal ecology to be included in assessments: Aborigines are claiming a landmark victory after the West Australian government told BHP Billiton to incorporate their ecological knowledge into future land clearing at its giant Yeelirrie uranium prospect.
The Ngalia people of the state's eastern goldfields, who use the land for food gathering and tribal ceremonies, lost an appeal to stop a small 10ha site being cleared, but won government support for their knowledge to be part of any future decisions. Ngalia spokesman Kado Muir said it was a significant step. "We see it as a victory because it establishes, for the first time that I know of, an indigenous ecological perspective in the land clearing process. To date its only ever really taken into account scientific-based flora and fauna studies," he said. "We are concerned about the plants which would have medicinal value, food value, and also provide an ecosystem for animals that we rely on; from honey ants to fauna like kangaroos and other animals." (The Australian Sep. 24, 2009)

Protesters have descended on BHP Billiton's head office to demand a public inquiry into its $17 billion uranium mine proposed for WA. More than 130 people protested outside BHP's Melbourne office today (July 8) calling for a 30-year-old agreement act governing uranium mining in WA to be overhauled. "The Yeelirrie agreement was ratified in 1978, which means we are working under a legal framework that is over 30 years old," nuclear free campaigner, Dave Sweeney, from the Australia Conservation Council, said. (Perth Now July 8, 2009)

Green groups and unions are pushing for an unprecedented level of environmental scrutiny over plans for WA's first uranium mine, calling for a public inquiry with the powers of a royal commission to assess BHP Billiton's proposed Yeelirrie project in the Goldfields. The WA Conservation Council lodged an appeal yesterday against the level of assessment set for the project by the Environmental Protection Authority, saying the watchdog needed to invoke previously unused powers under its legislation to ensure all possible impacts of the controversial proposal were subjected to an effective investigation. The EPA assigned an assessment level to BHP's proposal less than two weeks ago, recommending an environmental review and management program (ERMP) be used to evaluate the project. (The West Australian June 26, 2009)

BHP Billiton has submitted documents to the federal Environment Department signalling plans to start development at Yeelirrie in two years and to begin mining by 2014. BHP Billiton said it planned to produce an average of 5000 tonnes of uranium a year from the deposit for more than 30 years. The mine is yet to be approved by the board of BHP Billiton. The documents lodged with the Environment Department are part of the environmental impact statement process, the first steps in obtaining government approval for the Yeelirrie project. The Yeelirrie deposit is shallow - less than 5m below the surface - and easy to mine as an open pit but it will be massive. The deposit is 9km long and 1.5km wide. (The Australian May 22, 2009)
> View Invitation to Comment: EPBC Notices : BHP Billiton Yeelirrie Development Company Pty Ltd/Mining/Shire of Wiluna/WA/Yeelirrie Uranium Mine, Reference Number: 2009/4906
Deadline Date: June 4, 2009

On 18 November 2008, BHP Billiton announced that it has formally advised the West Australian Government of its decision to reactivate the Yeelirrie Uranium Project. In a letter to the State Minister for Mines and Petroleum, The Hon Norman Moore, BHP Billiton has indicated it will first undertake a drilling program to confirm the resource. BHP Billiton is assembling a Project team to be based in Perth to evaluate mining and processing options and to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement. The company will also commence community consultation. (WMC Nov. 18, 2008)

WMC has commenced remediation works at its Yeelirrie mine site in the North of Western Australia. The rehabilitiation plan has been developed with the approval of the State Mining Engineer and Radiological Council. Earthworks commenced on June 10th, 2004, and are expected to be completed in time for the revegetation work which will be completed by year-end to coincide with seasonal rains. (WMC June 18, 2004)

The Western Australia State Government has announced plans to terminate the Yeelirrie State Agreement that covers tenements 500 kilometres north of Kalgoorlie. WA State Development Minister Clive Brown says the holder of the tenements, WMC Resources, has agreed to stop mining uranium in the area and rehabilitate the land. The rehabilitation work will take place over the next six months, and WMC expects to complete its rehabilitation work by the end of the year 2004. (ABC Mar 31, 2004)

WMC said on 8 Feb. 2000 it would hand back the Yeelirrie uranium deposit to the WA Government if it failed to find a buyer in two years.
The company said it had spent $35 million at Yeelirrie, 75km south-west of Wiluna. But weak uranium prices in the past year had made it difficult for any new uranium project to get off the ground. (The West Australian 9 Feb. 2000)

The Western Mining Corporation has admitted leaving the contaminated trial uranium mine of Yeelirree exposed to the public, with inadequate fencing and warning signs, for more than 10 years. People used a dam at the site for swimming, which was found to be about 30 times above World Health Organisation radiation safety standards. (The Age, 10 July 1997)
> View related page of WMC Environment Progress Report 1996

Kintyre, East Pilbara

> View deposit details
> View Kintyre uranium project (Cameco)

Martu artists appeal with huge painting for the protection of their country from the threat of uranium mining at Kintyre: For the Martu people of Western Australia's Pilbara, there are limited opportunities to make their voices heard amid the clamour about jobs and economic growth that resources projects bring.
But as the world's biggest uranium miner [ehm, well, No. 4 at present...] continues to hold a potentially lucrative uranium deposit on a patch of ancient Martu country, a small group of traditional owners is raising awareness about their determination to reclaim their land with the aid of unlikely weapons -- paint and canvas.
Kintyre, an acrylic painting on an epic five by three metre scale, is the result of a remarkable near two-year process of reflection, collaboration and storytelling by 23 artists across generations. It proudly proclaims: "We are Martu and this is our story." (Seesaw Magazine Aug. 17, 2022 )

Deadline missed for substantial start of mining at Kintyre uranium mine project: As Cameco has not commenced mining at its Kintyre project within five years of the Environmental Approval issued on Apr. 22, 2015, Cameco now needs a written agreement of the Minister to commence mining. (Apr. 23, 2020)

Last week, WA Environment Minister Reece Whitby denied the firm's application to have the approval [for the Yeelirree project] extended.
Cameco said it has also had a similar application for its Kintyre project in the Pilbara knocked back. (ABC Apr. 14, 2022)

Cameco becomes sole owner of Kintyre project: In 2018, Cameco Australia PTY Ltd. acquired the remaining 30% interest in Kintyre from Mitsubishi Development Pty Ltd. and is now sole owner of the project.

Cameco writes off full value of Kintyre project: On Feb. 9, 2017, Cameco announced that it recognized an impairment charge for the full carrying value of its interest in Kintyre (CDN$ 238 million - fourth quarter).

Martu people to march 140 km in protest against Kintyre uranium mine project: The Martu people from Indigenous communities in WA's Pilbara region are setting off on a week-long March to protest against a proposed uranium mine. Residents from Parnngurr and surrounding communities will walk about 140 kilometres to the site of Cameco Australia's Kintyre project.
The Canadian-owned company received conditional approval last year from both the WA and Federal governments to develop the mine, approximately 270 kilometres north-east of Newman.
Indigenous leaders from nearby communities are concerned the project will affect their water supplies as well as 28 threatened species in the Karlamilyi National Park. (ABC June 4, 2016)
> View Karlamilyi Walk

Cameco's Kintyre uranium mine project obtains federal environmental approval: On April 24, 2015, Cameco announced that Federal Minister for the Environment, the Hon Greg Hunt MP, today approved Cameco and Mitsubishi Development's Kintyre uranium project in the remote East Pilbara region of Western Australia. Cameco Australia Managing Director Brian Reilly welcomed Minister Hunt's decision, which follows the approval granted by Western Australia's Environment Minister in March this year. Minister Hunt's approval includes conditions covering radiation, ground and surface water, terrestrial fauna and mine closure, which are required to be met before mining can commence.
> Download Approval Decision Apr. 22, 2015 (1.1M PDF - Environment Australia)

Cameco's Kintyre uranium mine conditionally approved by Western Australia's Government: A proposed uranium mine in Western Australia's Pilbara region has been granted conditional environmental approval by the State Government.
The WA Environmental Protection Authority recommended the project for conditional approval last July. WA Environment Minister Albert Jacob has now conditionally approved the project.
Cameco Australia's Managing Director Brian Reilly said a development decision would be made when market conditions were favourable to new uranium production. It is understood the project will now be subject to approval by the Federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt, who is expected to respond within 30 days. (ABC Mar. 5, 2015)
> Download Ministerial Approval Statement No. 997, March 4, 2015 (968k PDF)

Environmentalists have condemned the decision, citing concerns over the level of radiation monitoring required of the company throughout the Karlamilyi National Park, where the mine would be located. (ABC Mar. 6, 2015)

Environmental groups file appeal against state EPA approval for Kintyre uranium mine project: A coalition of state and national environmental groups have raised concerns about water contamination and other impacts on Western Australia's largest National Park in an official appeal against the approval of the Kintyre uranium mine project in the Pilbara.
Conservation Council of Western Australia has joined with the Anti-Nuclear Alliance of WA, the Australian Conservation Foundation, Friends of the Earth and the Wilderness Society in the appeal against the mining proposal from Canadian company Cameco on land that was previously gazetted as part of Karlamilyi National Park. (CCWA Aug. 12, 2014)

Kintyre uranium mine project obtains state EPA approval: A proposed uranium mine in the East Pilbara has been given conditional approval by Western Australia's environmental watchdog. The EPA's report to the Minister for Environment is now open for a two-week public appeal period. The regulator has recommended a set of conditions to control the impact on animals on the site. Cameco Australia managing director Brian Reilly said a development decision would be made when market conditions signalled new uranium production was required. (ABC July 28, 2014)
Appeals period closing date: 11 August 2014.
> Download: Report and recommendations of the Environmental Protection Authority , July 28, 2014 (2.5MB PDF)
> Access WA EPA Kintyre Uranium Project page

Petition against Kintyre uranium mine plan: Four green groups are preparing a petition to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), rejecting a proposed uranium mine in the east Pilbara. The EPA is assessing a proposal by Cameco to develop the Kintyre mine, near Karlamilyi National Park. There are fears the mine could affect drinking water supplies to a nearby Aboriginal community, as well as the park's natural waterways. A petition containing 2,500 signatures will be lodged with the authority today. (ABC Feb. 14, 2014)

Karlamilyi National Park threatened by Kintyre uranium mine project, conservationists say: The Kintyre uranium deposit is nestled between two branches of Yanadagodge Creek which feeds springs and lake systems throughout the Karlamilyi National Park (formerly Rudall River National Park) and the communities of Punmu and Parngurr.
"We will use every available avenue to challenge this dangerous proposal," said CCWA (Conservation Council of WA) campaigner Mia Pepper. "Cameco's plan for a 1km wide, 1.5km long open pit only 500 metres from the Yanadagodge Creek could have devastating impacts on this fragile desert ecosystem."
> View Australian Conservation Foundation release Nov. 8, 2013: WA's biggest national park faces uranium threat

Cameco releases Environmental Review and Management Programme for Kintyre uranium mine project for comment:
The ERMP is available for public review until February 14, 2014.
> Download Environmental Review and Management Programme (ERMP) (Cameco)
> Access WA EPA consultation page

Cameco puts Kintyre uranium mine project on ice: Cameco president Timothy Gitzel has declared the company's Kintyre uranium deposit is officially "in the bull pen", indicating a uranium spot price of up to $90 a pound was needed before the mine came into consideration. The uranium spot price last hit $90/lb in January 2008. It was trading at $43.75/lb yesterday. (The West Australian Feb. 13, 2013)

C$168 million write-down on Kintyre uranium mine project In its quarterly report for the fourth quarter 2012, Cameco recorded a CDN $168 million write-down on the Kintyre project.

Cameco not proceeding with detailed feasibility study on Kintyre uranium deposit: In its Third Quarter Financial Report, Cameco announced on Oct. 31, 2012, that it is "completing the value engineering and the environmental permitting at Kintyre, but not proceeding with the detailed feasibility study".

Cameco secures support of Traditional Owners for development of Kintyre uranium deposit: On October 11, 2012, Cameco announced the signing of an agreement between Western Desert Lands Aboriginal Corporation (WDLAC) (Jamukurnu-Yapalikunu). The agreement secures the support of the Martu people for development of the Kintyre uranium deposits in the Western Desert region of Australia. Cameco is carrying out further work to advance the Kintyre project toward a development decision.

Development of Kintyre uranium deposit deferred for poor economics: The Kintyre project has fallen victim to sluggish demand and prices for the nuclear fuel, and WA's "hot" construction market for resource projects. Project operator and 70 per cent owner, Canada's Cameco, has revealed that the economics of the project are "challenging" in that a development would not be profitable at current uranium prices. Prices are 34 per cent below where they need to be for a viable project. Cameco chief executive Tim Gitzel told analysts that Cameco was "not going to develop Kintyre at any cost." An eventual development of the mine is dependent on improved uranium prices, or a substantial increase in the project's resource base.
A recently completed prefeasibility study in to a development confirmed the challenging economics. It means that Cameco and its 30 per cent partner, Japan's Mitsubishi Development, will not begin development of what would have been WA's first uranium mine in early 2014 as first planned.
Cameco said that despite Kintyre being one of the world's biggest undeveloped uranium deposits (59.7 million pounds [23,000 t U]), a planned 7-year mine life that would recover 40 million pounds [15,400 t U] of uranium faced challenging economics "current uranium prices" and because of "continued cost escalation" in WA. "To break even, the prefeasibility study indicates the project would require an average realised price of about $US67 or about 62 million pounds [23,800 t U] of packaged production using a uranium price similar to today's spot price ($US50 a pound)," Cameco said. Cameco said it would now set out to improve overall project economics by stepping up exploration to increase the resource base. (The Australian July 29, 2012)

Construction of Kintyre uranium project to start after 2015: Cameco Corp. plans to start construction of its Kintyre uranium project in Australia after 2015, according to a copy of the miner's presentation at a conference in Perth today. (Bloomberg July 21, 2011)

Pre-feasibility study on mining of Kintyre uranium deposit started: Cameco president Tim Gitzel said the miner had started a pre-feasibility study on Kintyre that it hoped to complete in the first quarter of 2012. A Cameco spokeswoman said the company was still targeting a 2013 start-up of the mine and 2015 first production, which it has previously flagged at between 2700 tonnes and 3600 tonnes of uranium a year. (The Australian June 23, 2011)

Cameco releases Environmental Scoping Document on Kintyre uranium project: Cameco Australia and Mitsubishi Corporation are seeking public comment on the environmental review proposed for the Kintyre uranium project. The companies' Environmental Scoping Document (ESD) identifies key environmental aspects of the project and sets out the new studies needed to confirm that the project is safe for people and the environment. The two-week public comment period on the ESD ends on April 11, 2011.
> View Cameco Australia - Kintytre - Community Information
> Download Kintyre Uranium Project Environmental Scoping Document, March 2011 (6.8M PDF - Cameco)

Cameco plans construction of Kintyre uranium mine from 2013: Canada's Cameco Corp. said Wednesday (Sep. 8) that it may start construction of its Kintyre uranium venture in Western Australia by 2013, pitting it against several other companies aiming to become the state's first uranium mine. "Construction is proposed to commence sometime after 2013 and operations after 2015," Cameco said in its invitation for public comment document lodged Tuesday with the Australian government's Department of the Environment. The operation would aim to produce between 6 million to 8 million pounds per year of uranium oxide concentrate [2,308 to 3,077 t U] over an anticipated mine life of 15 years, the company said. (Dow Jones Sep. 8, 2010)
> View Cameco Australia Pty Ltd Referral No. 2010/5637, Kintyre Uranium Project (Environment Australia)

Cameco has unveiled plans to speed up the development of the Kintyre uranium project in Western Australia. The company will restart an exploration program to confirm the resource and verify previous work and re-establish an exploration camp and infrastructure, the company said in a statement. (The Australian April 6, 2009)

On Aug. 11, 2008, Cameco announced that it has completed the acquisition of a 70% interest in the Kintyre uranium exploration project in Western Australia for $346.5 million (US). A joint venture comprised of Cameco (70%) and Mitsubishi Development Pty Ltd (30%) purchased the Kintyre project from Rio Tinto for $495.0 million (US) through a bidding process. Cameco will operate the project and is funding its share of the purchase price through existing credit facilities.

Aboriginal landowners are set to secure equity involvement in development of the Kintyre uranium deposit in Western Australia (WA) after its sale by Rio Tinto to Canada's Cameco and Japan's Mitsubishi Development in a ground-breaking deal worth $US495 million ($A515 million). Kintyre is one of the world's biggest undeveloped uranium deposits (80 million pounds of uranium now worth $4.8 billion in its finished form) but its development has been held up by WA's continuing ban on uranium mine developments. But the traditional landowners, the Martu people, will join the new owners to pressure the WA Labor Government to lift the ban. (The Age July 11, 2008)

On July 9, 2008, Cameco Corporation announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire a 70% interest in the Kintyre uranium exploration project in Western Australia for US$ 346.5 million. A joint venture comprised of Cameco (70%) and Mitsubishi Development Pty Ltd (30%) purchased the Kintyre project from Rio Tinto for US$ 495.0 million through a bidding process. Cameco will operate the project and is funding its share of the purchase price through existing credit facilities. The transaction is expected to close in August 2008 subject to ministerial approval in Western Australia and execution of certain agreements with the Martu people who are the traditional owners of the land.

Rio Tinto has lost critical Aboriginal support for the proposed sale of its high-grade Kintyre uranium deposit in Western Australia, raising the prospect that it could face a legal challenge to its rights to sell the $600 million property to one of the uranium groups it is lining up as a buyer. Undisclosed offers made by Rio to the Martu people, the traditional owners, to win their support for the sale process are said to have been "embarrassingly low" given that Martu support is crucial to Kintyre, one of Australia's biggest undeveloped uranium deposits, becoming a mine. (The Age March 19, 2008)

Rio Tinto has begun work on a new pre-feasibility study - the first move towards reviving the project which stalled in the late 1990s. The pre-feasibility study, which will include drilling to develop a new resource estimate, is expected to take two years. It will build on a previous study carried out in 1991. (Herald Sun May 12, 2007)

Kintyre put on back burner. After being "slowed down" last year, the Kintyre project is being placed under care and maintenance. The project team will be disbanded at the end of the year and administration of the site facilities will be returned to Rio Tinto Exploration pending increased uranium prices. The project is at an advanced stage of development and with improvement in the market Rio Tinto could quickly bring it into production. Resources of some 36,000 tonnes U3O8 would provide about 2000 t/yr from a very small plant after radiometric beneficiation. Rio Tinto. [UIC Weekly News Summary 16 October 1998]

Canning Resources, a Rio Tinto subsidiary, has referred the Kintyre uranium project to the West Australian environmental authorities and has notified its intention to seek export approvals from the Federal Government.
The scoping document proposes a 1200 t/yr U₃O₈ production with the potential to increase to 2000 t/yr. It envisages a capital investment of $120 million and annual revenue of $60-70 million. The total area disturbed, including up to five small open cuts, will be about three square kilometres (300 ha), with the treatment plant occupying about six hectares. An additional 100 ha will be required for infrastructure.
Tailings will be in two streams, both as filter cake which is buried in mine workings. The first is a conventional residue from acid leaching, containing most of the ore's radioactivity. The second is mixed gypsum and iron hydroxide from an iron precipitation stage. The other eventual waste will be some evaporite from process liquors which cannot be recycled. There will be no tailings dam. [UIC Weekly News Summary 21 June 1996]

For details of the environmental assessment process, see the Australian Environmental Protection Agency Environment Assessment Branch notifications on the Kintyre project .

For opponents view, see Anti-Nuclear Alliance of Western Australia .

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