Australia to export uranium to China

Australian companies can begin exporting uranium to China after the two countries ratified key agreements on nuclear energy, Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said today.

Downer said Australia and China had ratified two agreements – the Australia-China Nuclear Transfer Agreement and the Nuclear Co-operation Agreement – through an exchange of diplomatic notes in Beijing yesterday.

“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.”

Downer said the timing and quantities of exports would be a matter for commercial negotiation.