Toro Energy’s Wiluna project is on track to build the region’s first uranium mine, but has witnessed several delays in the approval process.
The Federal Government recently postponed its decision by four months on the project, requesting for additional information pertaining to the environmental risks.
Barnett, however, expressed confidence that the State’s four most advanced deposits will start producing uranium within the next 10 years.
Barnett remarked that the uranium sector’s development had been slower than anticipated due to a fall in demand following the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan, with the global financial crisis contributing towards the same.
Reacting to the announcement, several environmental groups have expressed their displeasure, reported The West Australian.
Speaking on the opposition, Barnett commented that most West Australians favor uranium mining in the region.
"I think there’s a fair bit of scaremongering and I believe most people in Western Australia and Australia have confidence in the ability of State and Commonwealth governments to properly manage any industry, including uranium," Barnett said.
Barnett also added that West Australia will, in the long-term, export uranium from its own ports.
