Australia is to start formal negotiations on an agreement allowing it to start exporting uranium to China, Foreign Minister Alexander Downer has announced. Mr Downer today said the agreement would establish safeguards to ensure the uranium was used exclusively for peaceful purposes. Australian and Chinese officials had held exploratory talks on the proposed agreement, he said.

The announcement follows the Government's move last week to override Northern Territory objections to uranium mining and take control of the NT's rich uranium resources. Mr Downer said Australia had an estimated 40 per cent of the world's low-cost uranium resources and opening this export opportunity was consistent with the growing trade and economic relationship between Australia and China. Australia now has 19 nuclear agreements covering 36 countries with exports of Australian uranium - accounting for about 2 per cent of total world electricity production.

"When finalised, in accordance with Australian treaty-making practice, the agreement will be tabled in Parliament for review by the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties before binding treaty action is taken," he said. (AAP Australia negotiating uranium deal with China
August 9, 2005 - Sydney Morning Herald)