Uranium could be slowed by global moves
Australian authorities have warned that they may ban the export of local uranium to Russia.
The Australian Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and Finance Minister have not ruled out the possibility of ending the uranium trade to Russia as part of a bolstered set of sanctions against the European giant.
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop confirmed that uranium was “on the table” of possible goods and materials to be withheld from Russia in response to its ongoing support for separatists in Ukraine’s eastern region.
Finance Mathias Cormann told Sky News it was under consideration too.
“We are considering what other action we can sensibly take in terms of further increasing the level of sanctions imposed on Russia and all these matters... will be part of a proper and considered discussion before we make a decision,” Cormann said after a question specifically referencing uranium.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott said he “certainly would anticipate tougher sanctions against Russia in the weeks ahead” upon arrival in the Netherlands this week.
Questions have been raised as to exactly how much uranium Australia actually sells to Russia.
The two countries only entered into the Australia-Russia Nuclear Cooperation agreement in 2010, and the first trial shipment of uranium ore from an Australian mine to Russia departed in late 2012.
In March 2013, officials were still in consultation over the implementation of the Australia–Russia Nuclear Cooperation agreement, but were reviewing some arrangements that had already been implemented.
Given that Russia also has a large domestic uranium supply, some question just how reliant the nation is, if at all, on Australian product.