New polling data reveals that a majority of West Australians support lifting the state's uranium mining ban, as the global demand for the commodity continues to rise.

The survey, conducted by Painted Dog Research and commissioned by the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (Amec), found that 57% of respondents were in favour of overturning the uranium mining prohibition implemented in 2017. This marks an increase from a similar industry poll in 2023, which recorded 49% support.

Amec CEO Warren Pearce said the results indicate growing public awareness of uranium mining’s economic potential and the state’s capacity to manage it responsibly.

“What this poll demonstrates is that West Australians can see the value in uranium mining for our economy and our state,” he said.

“It also points to a community understanding that WA is a mining state, with the professionalism and skill to deal with uranium mining in a safe and responsible way.

“Quite frankly, it’s time for WA Labor to reconsider the current ban and move with the times.”

The increased support for uranium mining comes at a time of heightened global demand, driven by a growing push for decarbonisation and emissions reduction.

When asked if they supported uranium mining as a means of lowering global carbon emissions, 58% of respondents answered ‘Yes,’ with only 15% opposing the idea.

Despite Australia holding the world's largest uranium resources - 1.68-million tonnes, double that of Kazakhstan - its production lags significantly. Australia ranked fourth in uranium output in 2022, producing only 4 553 t, while Kazakhstan led with 21 227 t, followed by Canada with 7 351 t.

Pearce argued that Western Australia has the potential to become the world’s eighth-largest uranium producer, which would provide economic diversification and job creation.

“With job losses in the nickel and lithium sectors over the past 12 to 18 months, now is the perfect time to throw out the ban and look to add a new commodity to our mining mix,” he said.

“WA can be a global leader in uranium exports.”

Amec said WA Labor must clarify its stance on uranium mining ahead of the March 8 state election.

“With the growing sentiment in the WA community, an AUKUS agreement for nuclear submarines on our doorstep, and strong global demand showing no sign of abating, now is the time to challenge the current ban,” Pearce said.

The WA mining industry already operates under rigorous policy, regulatory, and environmental frameworks, which Amec believes can ensure the safe extraction and export of uranium.

However, the poll also highlighted a lack of public awareness regarding uranium mining’s long-standing history in Australia. When asked if they knew uranium had been mined safely in Australia for over 50 years, 54% of respondents said ‘Yes,’ while 46% were unaware.

“It’s clear that WA minds have come around on mining uranium,” Pearce said. “With more education about how Australia has safely mined uranium for over 50 years, those numbers will continue to climb.”

Calling for a shift in government policy, Pearce urged Premier Roger Cook to “leave the politics of the past behind and embrace the opportunity for Western Australia".

“Let’s face it, if you support nuclear submarines, you support uranium mining. Anything else is just blatant hypocrisy.”