MEDIA RELEASE

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SOUTH AUSTRALIAN STUDY OF URANIUM ENRICHMENT

Statement by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for National  Resources and Overseas Trade, the Rt.Hon.  J.D. Anthony.

The study being undertaken by the South Australian  Government of the feasibility of a uranium enrichment industry being  established in the State is quite consistent with the Commonwealth’s  view that the feasibility of uranium enrichments should be fully  explored.

.  The South Australian Government has sought and received . technical advice from the Atomic Energy Commission.  .  .

'  This contact should continue so that.the Commonwealth can .   remain fully informed of progress of the State Government study. .

In view of its constitutional powers,  and its responsibilities  under the Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, any  question relating to the establishment of uranium enrichment plants  in Australia is a matter for.the Commonwealth Government.

The Commonwealth has indicated that it wishes to see the  subject of uranium enrichment fully examined.  .

I reaffirm the invitation I made in a speech to the  Australian Mining.Industry Council on 29th March, when I said that  any expression of interest by private enterprise in the development  of uranium hexafluoride and enrichment industries in Australia  would be welcome and that companies should indicate their interest .

to the Atomic Energy Commission. '  '

It should be understood that the Commonwealth has ' indicated an interest in the processing of uranium only up to the -   stages of uranium hexafluoride and enrichment.  ,

These industries do not involve the production and .  . handling of highly radioactive waste products from nuclear reactors.

As stated by Senator Withers in the Senate on 4th June .   this year,  the Commonwealth is not giving any thought to the  establishment of a uranium re-processing industry in Australia,  and will not authorise the study of establishing any such

industry in Australia. .  .

Canberra, 2nd July, 1976.

