Uranium inquiry to assess export prospectsThe Australian...

Uranium inquiry to assess export prospects
The Australian Government says it wants to re-examine the global supply and demand chain in the uranium industry.

Australia exports almost a third of the world's uranium.

Resources Minister Ian Mcfarlane says Australia has an abundant supply of coal and gas, so it does not need to move towards nuclear fuel.

But countries like China have an insatiable appetite for uranium that is expected to increase.

Mr Mcfarlane says the inquiry is not a way to expand the number of mines, although he does support further export.

"I certainly plead guilty about doing everything I can to increase the amount of uranium exports out of Australia," he said.

He says the review will also look at using uranium to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions.

But Greens Leader Bob Brown says the review is about making money.

"It's a push by the mining industry to open it up to unfettered trade," he said.

Both the Government and Opposition want the inquiry.