Australian Workers' Union to end ban on uranium mining

Australian Workers' Union (AWU) National Secretary Paul Howes on Tuesday urged all states across the country to reverse their bans on uranium mining. Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard on Tuesday called on the Labor Party to reverse its long-standing ban on exports of uranium to nuclear-armed India. Howes on Tuesday showed his support for the prime minister's plan to sell uranium to India. Howes urged state Labor administrations, including Queensland, which currently prohibit uranium mining or exploration, to reverse their positions. It was in the interests of Queensland and in the interests of Premier Anna Bligh to start mining uranium in Mount Isa and Townsville, the Australian biggest blue-collar union boss said. "Uranium mining gives the opportunity for the mining boom that is being experienced on the west coast of this country to extend into the east coast" Howes said.