URANIUM mining will recommence in Queensland, with the Newman government dumping a decades-old ban. Uranium hasn't been mined in Queensland since 1982 when the Mary Kathleen mine closed.
And it's been effectively banned since the election of the Goss Labor Government in 1989.
Before the Liberal National Party won the March election, Campbell Newman said his party had "no plans to approve the development of uranium in Queensland".
But on Monday, the premier said there was strong support from the federal government to restart the industry.
"The prime minister Julia Gillard has just been in India selling the benefits of Australian-produced uranium to India, prompting many in the community to ask about the industry's potential in Queensland," Mr Newman said in a statement.
He announced a three-member implementation committee to oversee the recommencement of uranium mining in the state.
It will report back to the government within three months.
Mines Minister Andrew Cripps said Queensland's known uranium deposits were worth an estimated $10 billion.
Mr Cripps said the industry had enormous economic potential, particularly for north Queensland.
He said the government would not (not) consider nuclear energy production or nuclear waste disposal plants in Queensland.
