Westaustralien genehmigt Wiluna-Uranprojekt - 500 Beiträge pro Seite

[TJ111]

ASX RELEASE
10 October 2012

WA Minister for Environment approves Toro’s Wiluna Uranium Project
Toro Energy Limited (ASX: TOE) welcomes the Western Australian Minister for Environment’s decision to approve the Wiluna Uranium Project. This is a very significant milestone in the government assessment process for the Project, and follows more than three years of extensive community consultation, the most thorough environmental and technical studies, and rigorous assessment by government agencies.

The Wiluna Uranium Project comprises two uranium resource deposits near Wiluna in WA, and is the most advanced uranium project in that State. The Project would process 1.3 million tonnes per annum of ore to produce approximately 820 tonnes of uranium oxide concentrate.

The environmental impacts of the Wiluna Uranium Project have been rigorously assessed by both Western Australian and the Commonwealth Government agencies and the public has had four opportunities for input to this process since it began in 2009.

“Toro welcomes Minister Marmion’s decision to approve the first uranium mine since the change in uranium policy by the Western Australian Government in 2008. This represents a true achievement by many people who have worked diligently to deliver a project that will provide benefits to the local community, as well as to Western Australia, in an environmentally sustainable manner.” Managing Director, Greg Hall, said today.

Toro now awaits the completion of the Federal Government’s assessment of the Project.

Greg Hall
Managing Director

MEDIA CONTACT:
Greg Hall Toro Energy 08 8132 5600
Kevin Skinner Field Public Relations 08 8234 9555 / 0414 822 631

[TJ111]

Toro Energy receives milestone approval for Wiluna uranium project
Wednesday, October 10, 2012 by Angela Kean

Toro Energy (ASX: TOE) has been granted environmental approval for its Wiluna Uranium Project by Western Australian Minister for Environment Bill Marmion.

The Wiluna Uranium Project comprises two uranium resource deposits near Wiluna in Western Australia, which currently has no operating uranium mines.

The project would process 1.3 million tonnes per annum of ore to produce about 820 tonnes of uranium oxide concentrate, with first sales targeted for the 2014-15 financial year.

Greg Hall, managing director, commented on the milestone: “Toro welcomes Minister Marmion’s decision to approve the first uranium mine since the change in uranium policy by the Western Australian Government in 2008.

“This represents a true achievement by many people who have worked diligently to deliver a project that will provide benefits to the local community, as well as to Western Australia, in an environmentally sustainable manner.”

The approval follows more than three years of extensive community consultation, thorough environmental and technical studies, and rigorous assessment by government agencies.

The environmental impacts of the Wiluna Uranium Project have been rigorously assessed by both Western Australian and the Commonwealth Government agencies and the public has had four opportunities for input to this process since it began in 2009.

Toro now awaits the completion of the Federal Government’s assessment of the project.

Simon Mitchell, general manager – business development, told Proactive Investors today this is a fantastic milestone for Toro to reach.

“There’s a very short, short list of names that have managed to achieve this, both within Australia and internationally, and so we’re very happy that we’ve been able to complete the environmental approvals.

“Now we just await the Federal Government decision.”

Wiluna metrics

Wiluna comprises the Centipede and Lake Way deposits and hosts a resource of 55.17 million tonnes at 441 parts per million for 53.56 million pounds of uranium.

The capital cost for the project is estimated at A$280 million and C1 cash costs are forecast at US$33 per pound.

Toro would fund the capital cost of the project via $200 million in equity and $100 million in debt funding.

The company is expecting to make a final investment decision in the first half of 2013, following the receipt of all Government approvals.

Uranium demand

Uranium demand is expected to increase as global nuclear power capacity grows at a reported rate of 30% to 100% by 2030.

Electricity generation in Asia is expected to triple in the next 20 years.

Since the tsunami induced nuclear accident in Japan, most key countries have re-affirmed their commitment to nuclear power after undertaking “stress tests” for their particular location.

Currently there are 432 operable nuclear power stations, 63 under construction, 150 firmly planned and over 300 conceptual.

Analysis

Toro has achieved a significant milestone today with the approval of the Wiluna Uranium Project by the Western Australian Minister for Environment.

The company has advanced the approvals process at the flagship 54 million pound project, where a finance investment decision is scheduled for 2013, construction in 2013-14 ahead of first uranium sales in 2014-15.

The current valuation does not take into account that Toro may be the first post-ban uranium miner in Western Australia to market with the next uranium mine in Australia to begin production.

The Wiluna Uranium Project is now one of the few new uranium projects, either in Australia or internationally, that remains on track for production in the medium term and is now a strategically placed near term production asset.

Proactive Investors is a market leader in the investment news space, providing ASX “Small and Mid-cap” company news, research reports, StockTube videos and One2One Investor Forums.

[TJ111]

F I E L D
PUBLIC RELATIONS

Media Release
Wednesday, 10 October 2012

WA Minister for Environment approves Toro Energy’s Wiluna Uranium Project

Toro Energy (ASX: TOE) welcomes the Western Australian Minister for Environment’s decision to approve the Company’s 100%-owned Wiluna Uranium Project.

This is a very significant milestone in the government assessment process for the Project, and follows more than three years of extensive community consultation, the most thorough environmental and technical studies, and rigorous assessment by government agencies.

Toro’s Wiluna Uranium Project comprises two uranium resource deposits near Wiluna in WA, and is the most advanced uranium project in that State. The Project has a production target processing 1.3 million tonnes per annum for approximately 820 tonnes of uranium oxide concentrate, based on the first 10 years of mine life.

The environmental impacts of the Wiluna Uranium Project have been rigorously assessed by both Western Australian and the Commonwealth Government agencies and the public has been provided with four opportunities for input to this process since it began in 2009.

“Toro welcomes Minister Marmion’s decision to approve the first uranium mine since the change in uranium policy by the Western Australian Government in 2008. This represents a true achievement by many people who have worked diligently to deliver a project that will provide benefits to the local community, as well as to Western Australia, in an environmentally sustainable manner,” Toro’s Managing Director, Greg Hall, said today.

In May 2012, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) recommended approval of the Wiluna Project to the WA Minister for Environment, stating that the Wiluna Project met environmental approval requirements and should be allowed to proceed, subject to stated conditions within its report. Following a statutory appeal period, nine appeals were lodged against the EPA’s report and recommendations. As a result of his consideration of those appeals, the WA Minister for Environment has added to the conditions of approval for the Project.

“Toro Energy has welcomed the rigorous assessment process which has been undertaken on its detailed technical and environmental studies, and will work within the conditions set for the Project by the Minister,” Mr Hall said.

“Toro now awaits the completion of the Federal Government’s assessment of the Project, which has been occurring in parallel with the State process under a bi-lateral agreement.

“Subject to the Federal Government decision, Toro will advance its proposed financing of the Project, with potential JV partners having been engaged for some time in detailed technical review work.

“Toro will also continue to consult the relevant WA Government agencies, local and regional communities and Traditional Owners on the final stages of the Wiluna pre-development work program.

“Most market analysts are predicting a stronger medium to long term uranium market, with predictions of uranium shortfalls from 2015 onwards. The re-start of additional Japanese reactors predicted from mid next year, the cessation of the HEU agreement between the USA and Russia next year reducing secondary uranium supply, and other new nuclear market entrants such as UAE and India, are all adding to the continued market growth for uranium being reported.

“While the Federal Government’s proposed opening of the Indian market adds another potential future customer base, it also adds an additional country which could invest in uranium projects in Australia through JV opportunity or financing.

“Toro’s Wiluna Project would be one of the few uranium projects approved on a global basis capable of producing into this medium-term horizon. Confidence in the market is demonstrated by the major uranium producing companies and nuclear utilities (eg Cameco, Rio Tinto, ARMZ, and Guangdong Nuclear) which have been buying existing uranium resource projects and vying for future positioning of production.

“The investment market is now seeing this as an opportunity for future value, and Toro’s solid and consistent work in the area of technical development, government assessment and approval and project advancement is starting to be recognised.”

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Greg Hall Toro Energy 08 8132 5600 Kevin Skinner Field Public Relations 08 8234 9555 / 0414 822 631 Sean Whittington Field Public Relations 08 8234 9555 / 0412 591 520

Competent Person Statement
The production target relates to Mineral Resources that are based on information compiled by Dr Katrin Karner of Toro Energy Limited, Mr Robin Simpson and Mr Daniel Guibal of SRK Consulting (Australasia) Pty Ltd. Daniel Guibal takes overall responsibility for the Resource Estimate, and Dr Karner takes responsibility for the integrity of the drilling and bulk density results. Dr Karner, Mr Simpson and Mr Guibal are Members of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM), and have sufficient experience which is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity they are undertaking to qualify as Competent Persons as defined in the 2004 Edition of the ‘Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (JORC Code 2004)’. The Competent Persons consent to the inclusion in this release of the matters based on the information in the form and context in which it appears.

[TJ111]

WA approves Wiluna uranium mine
By Daisy SmithThursday, 11 October 2012

The first uranium mine in Western Australia is one step closer to being a reality, after the State Government yesterday granted final environmental approval to Toro Energy's Wiluna project.

State Environment Minister Bill Marmion says his decision, follows three weeks of consultation with other government departments, including Indigenous Affairs.

Toro Energy now awaits the Federal Government's decision, which is expected to be handed down by the end of the year.

Managing director, Greg Hall, says the approval is a significant milestone.

"We welcome the State Environment Ministers decision, we recognise the process that has been gone through with the EPA and the various government departments," he said.

"Toro can and will work within those proposed conditions. They are related to the flora and fauna, the dust monitoring, dust management, ground water management, ground-water dependant vegetation - much of the environmental work that we have already done and the studies we've done have focused on these areas, and we're fine to work within those conditions."

The mine has generated much debate, but Mr Hall says not everyone is opposed to the mine.

"We think that the communities we've engaged with and been very open with have been quite on-side with the project," he said.

"While the opposition to the project can be quite vocal, it is not wide spread in the community."

One of those vocally opposed to the mine is Goldfields Traditional Owner, Kado Muir.

He says the fight to prevent uranium mining in WA is far from over.

"Well it's not totally unexpected, our immediate reaction is of course to up-scale our campaign to ensure that this project never does get off the ground," he said.

"It involves representations to the Federal Government, it's up to the Federal Government now, and also there are also a lot of issues left unresolved on this particular project.

"The critical thing about this is that it is Aboriginal communities all the way along that transport corridor, who will be affected if anything goes wrong, they're basically going to have uranium baring trucks driving through their communities and that's a scary prospect."

The Conservation Council of WA has described the State Government's decision to approve the mine as 'irresponsible' and 'premature'.

The Council's Mia Pepper, says despite the WA government's approval, the mine's future is far from certain.

"We're pretty disappointed both with the EPA and the Minister," she said.

"I think it's very unlikely we'll see this mine go-ahead but despite that what we have seen is a really shocking example of the way that this government is prepared to do business on uranium."

Ms Pepper says the group will lobby the Federal Government and pursue legal action to prevent the mine going ahead.

The State Opposition remains opposed to the mine but says it will not shut down any mines that have already been approved.

Bill Johnston, Shadow Spokesman for State Development and Energy and currently acting mines spokesperson: "Our position is quite clear, we don't support uranium mining but we're also not going to risk the tax payers money, so if we come to government and there's a project that's been approved and when I say 'been approved' I mean by State approvals, we don't have any control over Federal approvals, but if it's had State approvals it can proceed."

[TJ111]

WA approves Toro’s Wiluna uranium mine
PUBLISHED: 10 OCT 2012 16:32:34 | UPDATED: 10 OCT 2012 16:33:57

The first uranium mine in Western Australia is two steps away from being a reality, with state Environment Minister Bill Marmion granting final environmental approval to Toro Energy's Wiluna project.

WA's Environmental Protection Authority in May advised Mr Marmion to approve Toro's proposal to develop the project in the Mid-West region.

It can go ahead if Mr Marmion's federal counterpart Tony Burke gives it the nod and the company's board makes a final decision to proceed.

Toro has targeted the end of this calendar year for its decision.

Mr Marmion said his approval was subject to strict conditions.

"If this project does go ahead, the environment will be adequately monitored and protected," he said.

"The new conditions will strengthen protection of stygofauna and groundwater-dependent vegetation, including Tecticornia samphires, and better address surface water flows, dust management and rehabilitation.

"Toro will also be required to research the water requirements of groundwater-dependent vegetation and more closely monitor stygofauna in the three calcrete ecosystems to be partially impacted by the proposal."

He said his decision followed consultation with other decision-making authorities including the Department of Environment and Conservation, WA's resources minister Norman Moore and the state's minister for indigenous affairs and energy Peter Collier.

Currently, WA has no operating uranium mines.

In 2008, the Liberal state government lifted a six-year ban on uranium mining that was imposed by the previous Labor government.

The opposition is still against uranium mining but says it will not stand in the way of any planned mine that has received approvals if the party wins the state election in March.

There are no other uranium projects in WA that would be fully environmentally approved by the time of the election.

AAP

[TJ111]

WA approves Toro mine, first uranium approval since policy change

By: Esmarie Swanepoel
10th October 2012

PERTH (miningweekly.com) – Western Australian Environment Minister Bill Marmion has approved the development of ASX-listed Toro Energy’s Wiluna uranium mine.

Marmion said on Wednesday that his decision followed three weeks of consultation with other decision-making authorities, including the Ministers of Mines and Petroleum and Indigenous Affairs.

The Minister imposed a number of strict conditions on the development of the uranium mine, which he said would strengthen the protection of stygafauna and groundwater-dependent vegetation, and would better address surface water flows, dust management and rehabilitation.

“Toro will also be required to research the water requirements of groundwater-dependent vegetation and more closely monitor stygofauna in the three calcrete ecosystems to be partially impacted by the proposal,” Marmion said.

“Importantly, I have toughened up the environmental conditions, so if this project does go ahead, the environment will be adequately monitored and protected.”

Toro welcomed Marmion’s decision to approve Western Australia’s first uranium mine since the change in the state’s uranium policy in 2008. “This represents a true achievement by many people who have worked diligently to deliver a project that will provide benefits to the local community, as well as to Western Australia, in an environmentally sustainable manner,” said MD Greg Hall.

The decision has also been welcomed by the Western Australian Chamber of Minerals and Energy (CME), which stressed the importance of continuing to diversify the state’s mineral export base.

“By embracing new commodities like uranium, we can increase jobs and opportunities for Western Australians while also reducing our global carbon emissions,” said CME CEO Reg Howard-Smith.

“The community should feel confident that the process for approval, which has taken around three years, has been subject to a high level of scrutiny and consultation. The process has also been independently reviewed.

“Both industry and government are committed to a world best practice uranium mining industry, which includes meeting all environmental and safety requirements,” he added.

The Wiluna uranium project comprises two uranium resource deposits, and would process some 1.3-million tons a year of ore to produce 820 t of uranium oxide concentrate.

The project was still awaiting federal approval, and Toro’s board was hoping to make a final investment decision by the middle of next year.

Edited by: Mariaan Webb

[TJ111]

Western Australia's first uranium mine approved

11 October, 2012 Cole Latimer

Toro Energy's Wiluna uranium project has been approved by the Western Australian Government.

The final environmental approvals were granted by WA environment minister Bill Marmion, who stated that the decision took three weeks, during which he consulted mines minster Norman Moore, and the minister for indigenous affairs.

However he has placed strict conditions on its operation.

“The new conditions will strengthen protection of stygofauna and groundwater-dependent vegetation, including Tecticornia samphires, and better address surface water flows, dust management and rehabilitation," Marmion said.

“Toro will also be required to research the water requirements of groundwater-dependent vegetation and more closely monitor stygofauna in the three calcrete ecosystems to be partially impacted by the proposal.

“Importantly, I have toughened up the environmental conditions, so if this project does go ahead, the environment will be adequately monitored and protected."

It comes after the state's environmental watchdog advised the government to approve the project in May, and it completed the public exhibition phase of the project.

The announcement was welcomed by Toro Energy's managing director Greg Hall, who said that this approval is the first since the decision in 2008 by the government to allow uranium mining.

"This represents a true achievement by many people who have worked diligently to deliver a project that will provide benefits to the local community, as well as to Western Australia, in an environmentally sustainable manner," Hall said.

The project consists of two uranium deposits near Wiluna, and is the most advanced in the state.

It will process 1.3 million tonnes of ore annually, and produce around 820 tonnes of uranium oxide concentrate.

Under Toro’s plans uranium oxide will be transported from Wiluna through the outskirts of Kalgoorlie and over the border into South Australia.

Mine officials say the project will have a 14 year life and regulators say the development will be heavily controlled.
Toro has not yet indicated which port it will use to export the uranium.

[TJ111]

The Australian Financial Review

Uranium controls point to India deal
PUBLISHED: 04 OCT 2012 00:02:31 | UPDATED: 04 OCT 2012 04:12:25

GEMMA DALEY

Australia is poised to take a significant step towards exporting uranium to India in a landmark move that promises to open up millions of dollars of sales for companies such as Paladin, Toro and Energy Resources of Australia and double national production by 2020.

When she visits India in a fortnight, Prime Minister Julia Gillard will hold top level discussions that are expected to open the way to a uranium safeguards agreement that would contain strict requirements on the safe use of the fuel.

The strategy is intended to neutralise opponents who highlight that India has not signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

The final safeguards agreement will take some time but sources close to the negotiations said it was expected to boast the same regulations as the NNPT as well as strict rules on access to nuclear facilities in the world’s biggest democracy.

Australia holds the world’s largest deposits of uranium, yet high costs and bans in some states mean it is just the third-largest supplier at about 7000 tonnes per year. Japan’s Fukushima Daiichi tragedy and low prices have also starved expansion.

Industry sources said opening the Indian market could spur mines, particularly those in Western Australia such as Toro Energy’s Wiluna and Cameco’s Kintyre and Yeelirrie, which it acquired from BHP Billiton for $430 million in August.

GLOBAL DEMAND RISING
Global demand for nuclear power capacity could double by 2030, the International Atomic Energy Agency said, and Australia needs to expand mines and production to meet increased demand. The end of the US-Russia agreement next year on spent nuclear fuel will also significantly reduce supply.

“It’s a great thing for the Australian government to make an agreement with India and on that we’d say we’d expect that should match the kind of conditions of the NNPT and the supplementary treaties of Australia, we feel sure that this is the position that the Australian government will take we’d support that,” said Australian Uranium Association chief executive Michael Angwin.

Uranium mining and exploration is permitted in South Australia, the Northern Territory and WA. Queensland allows exploration, but the state is looking at lifting its ban on mining.

NSW Resources Minister Chris Hartcher in September said the government was open to expressions of interest from those wanting exploration licences for Group 11 Minerals, including uranium and thoriumin.

Australia has previously refused to sell the nuclear fuel to India because the South Asian country hasn’t signed the treaty. Resource Minister Martin Ferguson in February 2011 opened up political debate on India uranium sales, saying Australia should be able to negotiate on a country by country basis rather than have a blanket ban on those who hadn’t signed the treaty.

That paved the way for Ms Gillard to prevail at Labor’s December national conference to overturn the party ban, amid opposition from cabinet ministers, including Communications Minister Stephen Conroy, Schools Minister Peter Garrett and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese.

FOURTH ROUND OF NEGOTIATIONS
Ms Gillard will travel to India from October 15-17 and is expected to meet the government’s most senior officials about energy, trade and economic ties. Australia is going into its fourth round of negotiations on the Closer Economic Cooperation Trade Agreement. Two-way trade grew to $20 billion last year from $3.3 billion in 2000.

A final uranium safeguards agreement with India would first be analysed by the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties, which can make recommendations to the government.

“Once the government puts the treaty to parliament the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties will have a certain amount of time look at it,” said committee chair and Labor MP Kelvin Thomson.

“On a contentious issue like this there would be public hearings before we make recommendations to the government and the parliament.

“Generally, I think it is important we promote the nuclear non proliferation treaty, Australia is of course a signatory to that.”

PEACEFUL PURPOSES
All of Australia’s uranium is exported for exclusively peaceful purposes and it has 22 bilateral nuclear co-operation agreements covering 39 countries including China, the United States and Korea.

An agreement with India would spur mines in WA, including those belonging to Toro and Cameco as well as the Mulga Rocks deposit.

“If we’re making an agreement with India on the basis India wants our uranium and in order to build the Australian relationship with India, then we’d better be able to supply the uranium that they want,” Mr Angwin said. “I think the implication between any agreement between Australia and India is to put pressure on those governments and political parties which have so far have not given their support to the expansion of the uranium industry.”

[TJ111]

The Australian Financial Review

Uranium miners buoyed by India visit
PUBLISHED: 05 OCT 2012 00:04:47 | UPDATED: 05 OCT 2012 08:08:44

Toro Energy will start speaking with potential financiers for its $300 million Wiluna project, which could be Western Australia’s first uranium mine, as Prime Minister Julia Gillard prepares to elevate discussions over a sales agreement with India.

[TJ111]

http://hfgapps.hubb.com/asxtools/imageChart.axd?TF=D6&TIMA1=…

[TJ111]

[Jimmbo]

Werde mich mit der Aktie mal beschäftigen. Und schu dir mochmal GKP an

[TJ111]

Uran: Toro darf erste Mine in Westaustralien errichten

EMFIS.COM - Melbourne 11.10.2012 (www.emfis.com) Der australische Bergbaukonzern Toro Energy erhält die erste Genehmigung zur Uranförderung im Westen des Kontinents.

Wie lokale Medien mitteilten, habe die lokale Regierung erstmals einem entsprechenden Antrag zugestimmt. Nachdem die letzten umweltbezogenen Gutachten und der für die Urbevölkerung verantwortliche Minister dem nicht widersprochen hätten, habe die zuständige Behörde ihr Einverständnis gegeben. Jedoch sei die Genehmigung nur mit strikten Auflagen und Bedingungen erteilt worden. Vor allem die Umgebung der geplanten Mine soll damit vor groben Schäden geschützt werden.

Die Firma ergreift selber strikte Massnahmen

Wie weiter mitgeteilt wurde, habe auch der Urankonzern von sich aus höchste Sicherheitsvorkehrungen angekündigt. Diese betreffen demnach den gesamten Förderungsprozess bis zum Verlassen der Anlage.

[TJ111]

25.10.2012 (nuklearforum.ch)

Australien: Uranmine Wiluna ein Schritt weiter

Das Umweltministerium des Bundesstaates Westaustralien hat grünes Licht für den Abbau des Uranvorkommens Wiluna gegeben. Die Toro Energy Ltd. benötigt zur Betriebsaufnahme noch die Zustimmung der australischen Bundesregierung.

Bereits im Mai 2012 hatte die Umweltschutzbehörde Westaustraliens dem zuständigen Minister die Beglaubigung des Uranabbaus in Wiluna empfohlen. Innerhalb der darauffolgenden Beschwerdefrist gingen neun Beschwerden sowie Empfehlungen zu den Umweltauflagen ein. Der westaustralische Umweltminister Bill Marmion verschärfte daraufhin die Umweltauflagen für den Minenbetrieb und genehmigte den Abbau des Uranvorkommens Wiluna. Die Eigentümerin des Wiluna-Uranabbauprojekts, die Toro Energy, benötigt zur Betriebsaufnahme noch die Genehmigung der Bundesregierung. Danach werde sie die Finanzierung des Projekts vorantreiben.

Die Toro Energy rechnet mit der Betriebsaufnahme im Jahr 2013. Damit würde in Westaustralien seit der Aufhebung des Verbots zum Abbau von Uran im November 2008 erstmals wieder eine Uranmine produktiv. Im Tagebaubetrieb sollen in Wiluna jährlich 1,8 Mio. Pfund U3O8 (700 t U) gewonnen werden. Das Gesamtvorkommen wird auf 21’000 t U geschätzt.

Quelle:
D.S. nach Toro Energy, Medienmitteilung, 10. Oktober 2012

[TJ111]

23. Oktober 2012 (goldinvest.de)

Verbot wird aufgehoben
Queensland besinnt sich auf seine Uran-Vorräte

Die Uran-Landkarte muss umgeschrieben werden. Ein weißer Flecken verabschiedet sich. Doch es wird Jahre dauern, bis die Produktion wirklich startet.

1982 wurde im australischen Bundesstaat Queensland das letzte Uran gefördert. Rio Tinto (WKN: 852147) holte es aus der Mary Kathleen Mine an die Erdoberfläche. Nach dem Auslaufen der Förderung verhängte die damals regierende Labourpartei ein Verbot für weitere Förderprojekte in Queensland. Dieses hielt bis jetzt. Erst Premierminister Campbell Newman ändert die Position der Provinzregierung, 30 Jahre nach dem Verbot.

Newman begründet dies mit der veränderten Haltung der Zentralregierung in Canberra. Die australische Premierministerin Julia Gillard war jüngst in Indien. Dort hat sie über den Start von Uranlieferungen an das asiatische Land verhandelt, ein Novum in der australischen Wirtschaftspolitik. Davon beeinflusst will Newman seine Region nicht außen vor lassen und von den künftigen Aussichten profitieren.

Je nach Expertenquelle sollen im Boden Queensland Uranschätze zwischen 10 Milliarden Dollar und 18 Milliarden Dollar liegen. Umgerechnet könnte der Staat davon mit zusätzlichen Steuern und Gebühren von rund 900 Millionen Dollar profitieren. Das ist sicherlich auch ein Grund, warum der Bann aufgehoben wird.

Schon jetzt scharren drei Unternehmen vernehmlich mit den Hufen, da sie in Queensland Uranprojekte und Liegenschaften haben: Paladin Energy (WKN: 890889) aus Perth, Laramide Resources (WKN: 157084) aus Toronto und die kanadische Mega Uranium (WKN: A0HGWU). Paladin hat mit Partnern schon 40 Millionen Dollar in die Exploration einer Uranliegenschaft in der Nähe von Mount Isa investiert. Eine Förderung könnte zwischen 2018 und 2020 beginnen.

Soweit sind die anderen Uransucher noch nicht. Bei Laramide hat man vor einem Monat mit Explorationsbohrungen auf dem Projekt von Westmoreland begonnen. Dieses Areal ist seit 1956 bekannt und liegt etwa 400 Kilometer nördlich von Mount Isa. Mega Uranium plant erst die Bohrungen auf den Liegenschaften von Ben Lomond. Dieses hochgradige Areal befindet sich 50 Kilometer westlich von Townsville.

Doch nicht jeder ist von den Plänen der Regierung, die Arbeitsplätze schaffen will und den Anschluss an den Weltmarkt sucht, begeistert. Sowohl Naturschützer als auch die Opposition laufen dagegen Sturm. Sie werfen der Regierung vor, ein Wahlversprechen zu brechen. Diese will jedoch ein dreiköpfiges Gremium einsetzen, dass die Aufhebung des Verbots begleiten und überwachen soll. In drei Monaten sollen die Mitglieder einen ersten Report über die Fortschritte abgeben. Newman will sich von seinem neuen Weg nicht so einfach abbringen lassen.

[TJ111]

30.10.2012 06:30 Uhr | ABN Newswire
Toro Energy Limited (ASX:TOE) Quarterly Activities Report

16:00 AEST Oct 30, 2012 ABN Newswire (C) 2004-2012 Asia Business News PL. All Rights Reserved.

Adelaide, Australia (ABN Newswire) - Toro Energy Limited (ASX:TOE) Quarterly Activities Report with the following principal highlights.

CORPORATE

- Toro received the WA Government environmental approval for the Wiluna Uranium Project from the WA Minister for Environment, completing the State Ministerial approval process.
- The Company anticipates a Federal Government environmental decision on the Project prior to calendar year end.
- Toro continues to receive interest from potential financing and offtake partners for the Wiluna Project, with one major group undertaking a site visit for technical review of the Project.
- Cash at end of the quarter was $7.5 million. With major technical work complete on Projects, December quarter expenditure is forecast at $2.8m.

GLOBAL URANIUM MARKET

- The spot price for uranium at the end of the September quarter was US$46.50/lb U3O8 with the long term price remaining at US$60 to $61/lb U3O8.
- While short term market softness continues, longer term interest is increasing, with China planning the re-start of nuclear approvals, Japan refusing to rule out nuclear for future power generation, Queensland Government changing its uranium mining policy, and the Indian - Australian Government bi-lateral talks on a safeguards agreement commencing.

WILUNA PROJECT DEVELOPMENT

- The West Australian Environment Minister has approved the Project subject to conditions which were determined following the appeals process. Toro has determined it can effectively work within these conditions.
- A geotechnical drilling program was completed to support the development of the tailings facility design.
- Phase 1 of the Definitive Feasibility Study for the Wiluna Uranium Project was completed during the quarter.
- Capital and operating cost updates are underway and will be announced to the market when complete.
- Traditional Owners have participated in archaeological surveys to enable clearance of heritage issues on key tenements. Negotiation of the mining agreement continues.

EXPLORATION

- Core assays confirm significant positive disequilibrium at Theseus.
- Analysis and interpretation of contractor gamma and PFN results continues with the Company targeting an initial resource statement in the December quarter.
- Airborne EM survey being undertaken over the recently granted Wiso and Reynolds Range tenements in the Northern Territory (NT). The survey is being co-funded by the NT Government.

To View the full Quarterly Report, please visit;
http://media.abnnewswire.net/media/en/docs/ASX-TOE-703491.pd…

[TJ111]

Der Aktienkurs von Toro Energy ist diese Nacht in Australien um weitere 22,73% auf 0,135 AUD gestiegen, damit verzeichnet er in den letzten 2 Monaten seit Ende August eine Steigerung um über 98%!

[TJ111]

Die Kurssteigerung beträgt gar mehr als 101%, ausgehend von einem Kurs von 0,067 AUD Ende August 2012 (hatte vorher versehentlich einen Kurs von 0,068 AUD abgelesen).

[TJ111]

ASX RELEASE
1 November 2012

Toro Energy secures A$12 million funding

Toro Energy Limited (ASX: TOE) is pleased to announce that it has received and executed a committed letter of offer for an A$12 million convertible debt facility (“Facility”) from Macquarie Bank Limited (“Macquarie”).

Once full legal documentation has been finalised, the Facility will increase Toro’s available working capital to A$19.5 million (based on A$7.5 million cash held as at 30 September 2012) putting Toro is in a strong financial position to fund the completion of the Wiluna Uranium Project definitive feasibility study and finalise the process of negotiation with potential joint venture or funding partners.

The Facility is a secured loan with a term of three years from initial drawdown which is expected to occur in the first half of 2013. The first tranche of A$8.0 million is available following the completion of documentation and satisfaction of standard conditions precedent. The second tranche of A$4.0 million is available after the completion of an additional condition precedent being the receipt of Federal Government approval for the development of the Wiluna Uranium Project, a decision on which is anticipated by the end of 2012.

The interest rate applicable to the loan will be at the Australian bank bill rate plus fixed margin.

In line with the terms of the Facility, Toro will issue tranches of 3 year options to Macquarie at an exercise price set at a 20% premium to Toro’s 30 day volume weighted average share price (“30 day VWAP”) at various stages which, were they to be exercised, would raise funds equivalent to the A$12m face value of the facility. On execution of the Commitment Letter, Toro is obliged to issue options to Macquarie equating to 25% of the Facility face value (or equivalent value A$3m). The remaining 75% of the options are to be issued on a pro-rata basis if and when Toro makes drawdowns under the facility.

The initial tranche of 24,390,244 options will be issued on 2nd November 2012 with an exercise price of A$0.123 per share. Further tranches of options will be issued to Macquarie at each drawdown with a strike price set at a 20% premium to the 30 day VWAP prior to the date of each drawdown and the number of options issued being equal to 75% of the face value of the tranche divided by the 30 day VWAP. Under the terms of the Facility, any proceeds from the exercise of the options must be directed towards the repayment of the outstanding loan balance, if any.

In the event that Toro issues equity at a price below the exercise price of the options within 18 months of first drawdown or undertakes an in-specie distribution, the exercise price of the existing options will be adjusted in accordance with ASX Listing Rules. If circumstances that require an exercise price adjustment cannot be made under ASX listing rules Toro can issue replacement options, pay cash, issue shares or new options in order to compensate Macquarie for any reduction in value of their existing option holding.

Toro is obliged to repay the loan in full in the event of a sale of its interest in the Wiluna Project or when it undertakes a loan drawdown in respect of any project funding of the Wiluna Project. In respect of any other asset sales, Toro is obliged to direct 50% of any cash proceeds towards loan repayment when the asset sale has a value greater than A$2.0 million.

The establishment of the Facility will not require shareholder approval as the issue of options to Macquarie represents less than 15% of the issued capital of Toro.

“Toro welcomes Macquarie Bank as significant new stakeholder and looks forward to working with Macquarie in moving the Wiluna Uranium Project forward through the financing phase” Managing Director, Greg Hall, said today.

Greg Hall
Managing Director

[TJ111]

Toro Energy: the next Australian uranium producer?
Wednesday, October 31, 2012 by Proactive Investors

Toro Energy (ASX:TOE) has affirmed that it continues to receive interest from potential financing and offtake partners for the Wiluna Project.

One major group is undertaking a site visit for technical review of the Project.

Phase 1 of the Definitive Feasibility Study for the Wiluna Uranium Project was completed during the quarter.

Capital and operating cost updates are underway and will be announced to the market when complete.

Toro is targeting an initial uranium resource statement on Theseus Project in December quarter.

Project approvals

During the quarter, Toro gained environmental approval for the Wiluna Uranium Project and a prime focus for the company. This was a necessary precursor to the financing of the Project.

The company said it "now awaits the Federal Government environmental decision on the Project, anticipated prior to calendar year end."

Site visit

A site visit to the Project area was undertaken by a major U.S. nuclear energy corporation as part of their Australian
uranium operations tour.

The purpose of the visit was to familiarise themselves with the Project as a potential supplier of uranium concentrates should approvals and financing of the project allow it to proceed.

Wiluna Project has now developed a confidential dataroom for the Project, to enable interested potential project partners to access information under confidentiality.

The first potential partner’s technical assessment was recently completed with a visit to Toro’s Wiluna Project site and Project office in Perth over an extended period.

Global Uranium Market

The spot price for uranium at the end of the September quarter was US$46.50/lb U3O8. However, the long term price remains at US$60 to $61/lb U3O8.

Toro expects the short term market softness to continue, longer term interest is increasing, with China planning the re-start of nuclear approvals.

China is now seeking to steadily resume approval and construction of new nuclear power plants and is planning to approve a small number of new nuclear power projects by 2015.

Other positives to note: Japan is also refusing to rule out nuclear for future power generation; the Queensland Government changing its uranium mining policy, and the Indian – Australian Government bi-lateral talks on a safeguards agreement are commencing.

Cash balance

Cash held at the end of the September 2012 quarter was a healthy $7.5 million.

Reflecting the milestones reached by Toro at the 54 million pound Wiluna uranium project and EPA positive recommendation, the Toro Energy share price has vaulted from $0.083 in early October to recent high or $0.135.

As a pointer the future, Toro Energy is likely to be the next Australian uranium producer – one of few new projects in world capable of production in 2014-15. There is one or two other possible contenders for this title, but there remain more question marks.

[TJ111]

Toro Energy secures A$12M in funding from Macquarie Bank
Thursday, November 01, 2012 by Bevis Yeo

Toro Energy (ASX: TOE) looks set to maintain its lead over its fellow uranium players with its securing of A$12 million in funding through a convertible debt facility from Macquarie Bank.

This increases the company’s available working capital to A$19.5 million, putting it in a strong financial position to fund completion of the Wiluna Uranium Project Definitive Feasibility Study and finalise the process of negotiation with potential joint venture or funding partners.

“Toro welcomes Macquarie Bank as significant new stakeholder and looks forward to working with Macquarie in moving the Wiluna Uranium Project forward through the financing phase,” managing director Greg Hall said.

The Wiluna project team is currently undertaking a project update, which include a capital and operating cost re-estimate. This is expected to be announced when completed in November.

Financing Terms

The Facility is a three year secured loan from initial drawdown that is expected to occur in the first half of 2013.

The first tranche of A$8.0 million is available following the completion of documentation and satisfaction of standard conditions precedent while the remaining funds will be available after receipt of Federal Government approval for the development of the Wiluna Uranium Project, which is expected by the end of 2012.

The loan carries an interest rate at the Australian bank bill rate plus fixed margin.

Toro will also issue tranches of 3 year options to Macquarie at an exercise price set at a 20% premium to Toro’s 30 day volume weighted average share price at various stages which, were they to be exercised, would raise funds equal to the A$12m face value of the facility.

The first 25% of these options (24,390,244) will be issued on 2 November while the remaining 75% of the options are to be issued on a pro-rata basis if and when Toro makes drawdowns under the facility.

Under the terms of the Facility, any proceeds from the exercise of the options must be directed towards the repayment of the outstanding loan balance, if any.

In the event that Toro issues equity at a price below the exercise price of the options within 18 months of first drawdown or undertakes an in-specie distribution, the exercise price of the existing options will be adjusted in accordance with ASX Listing Rules.

Toro may also issue replacement options, pay cash, issue shares or new options to compensate Macquarie if it is unable to make an exercise price adjustment.

Wiluna Uranium Project

The Wiluna Uranium Project comprises two uranium resource deposits near Wiluna in Western Australia, which currently has no operating uranium mines.

The project would process 1.3 million tonnes per annum of ore to produce about 820 tonnes of uranium oxide concentrate, with first sales targeted for the 2014-15 financial year.

Toro now awaits the completion of the Federal Government’s assessment of the project, which is expected prior to the end of this year.

Global Uranium Market

The spot price for uranium at the end of the September quarter was US$46.50/lb U3O8. However, the long term price remains at US$60 to $61/lb U3O8.

While Toro expects the short term market softness to continue, longer term interest is increasing, with China planning the re-start of nuclear approvals.

China is now seeking to steadily resume approval and construction of new nuclear power plants and is planning to approve a small number of new nuclear power projects by 2015.

Other positives to note: Japan is also refusing to rule out nuclear for future power generation; the Queensland Government changing its uranium mining policy, and the Indian – Australian Government bi-lateral talks on a safeguards agreement are commencing.

Analysis

Toro is already well ahead of other uranium players in Western Australia and the Macquarie funding just serves to fuel its engines further.

As such, the company is likely to be the next Australian uranium producer – one of few new projects in the world capable of production in 2014-15.

While Toro’s share price has reflected these achievements, having risen to a high of A$0.14 earlier this week from A$0.083 in early October, Proactive Investors believes the road ahead presents further growth for the company.

[TJ111]

Australian Research Independent Investment Research

Toro Energy Limited (TOE)
Initiating coverage

November 2012

http://www.toroenergy.com.au/_literature_110200/Independent_…

[TJ111]

Der Aktienkurs von Toro Energy kennt zur Zeit nur eine Richtung - AUFWÄRTS

+116% in Australien seit Ende August 2012!

Ein Ende der Kurssteigerungen scheint bei dem, man kann jetzt mittlerweile längst sagen "günstigen Umfeld" für das Unternehmen, nicht in Sicht zu sein...

[TJ111]

Broken Hill land council 'open' to uranium
Eugene Boisvert
Posted Fri Nov 9, 2012 7:23am AEDT

The chairwoman of the Broken Hill Aboriginal Land Council says she is open to uranium exploration in the far west.

But Maureen O'Donnell says the risks need to be discussed before any mining takes place.

Applications to explore for uranium in New South Wales close next week, after the State Government voted to lift a ban earlier this year.

The far west is thought to be rich in uranium.

Ms O'Donnell says the land council has not discussed the issue in detail yet.

"I've got to see what benefits (it has) for the people," she said.

"I don't like uranium as it is because it causes a lot of cancer and there's enough sickness but it sort of depends on how they're going to do it and what they're going to do."

[TJ111]

Broken Hill Land Council open to exploring uranium

9 November, 2012 Alex Heber

The Broken Hill Aboriginal Land Council is open to uranium exploration in New South Wales' far west.

However BHALC chair Maureen O’Donnell said the details and risks still need to be discussed before any mining begins.

"I've got to see what benefits (it has) for the people," she told the ABC.

"I don't like uranium as it is because it causes a lot of cancer and there's enough sickness but it sort of depends on how they're going to do it and what they're going to do."

The New South Wales state government lifted the ban on uranium exploration earlier this year in a bid to ramp up the state’s involvement in the mining boom.

"It is time for NSW to look at every opportunity to join the mining boom, which is delivering enormous profits and jobs to Western Australia, Queensland and South Australia," NSW premier Barry O'Farrell said at the time.

The far west of New South Wales is thought to be rich in uranium, exploration applications close next week.

[TJ111]

Aboriginal land council amenable to uranium mining in Western Australia
Marc Howe | November 9, 2012

The chairwoman of the Broken Hill Aboriginal Land Council has declared that she is open to possibility of uranium mining in the region.

ABC News reports that Maureen O'Donnell of the Broken Hill Aboriginal Land Council says that the issue will depend on what benefits uranium mining in the area can bring to local communities. O'Donnell says the land council has not yet discussed the matter in detail.

Uranium mining in Australia is looking more and more likely, with the Western Australian government recently conferring key environmental approvals for the Toro Energy (ASX:WOE) Wiluna uranium project, and the Newell government in Queensland overturning a decades-long ban on uranium extraction.

Prime Minister Gillard also made overtures to the New Delhi last month on the issue of uranium exports to India, indicating that the South Asian giant's failure to sign the nuclear non-proliferation pact would not be an impediment to sales by Australia of the radioactive mineral.