Australia Readies Uranium Exports to China

Ratification of crucial nuclear safeguards agreements has cleared the way for Australia to export uranium to China, possibly beginning in February, the Associated Press reported (see GSN, April 4, 2006).

Beijing and Canberra on Thursday exchanged diplomatic notes ratifying the two agreements signed in April 2006, according to Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer.

“The agreements will enter into force 30 days after ratification,” he said.  “Accordingly, the legal framework for Australian uranium producers to commence exports to China is expected to be in place early in 2007.”

Australian uranium is intended solely to help China meet its growing energy needs.  The agreements ban China from using the material for military purposes, from sending the uranium to another nation, and from reprocessing the material without approval from Australia.

Any violation of the agreements would allow Australia to halt uranium exports, AP reported (Associated Press/USA Today, Jan. 4).

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