Australia’s nuclear material export obligations

Australia can only export produced uranium for peaceful purposes. This is limited to nuclear energy generation or research reactors. 

UOC can only be exported to countries with which Australia has a bilateral Nuclear Cooperation Agreement (NCA). Australia has 25 agreements in force covering 43 countries plus Taiwan. NCA countries must also have a Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement and Additional Protocol with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). 

Australia’s export controls reflect our non-proliferation obligations and stringent nuclear safety and security requirements. 

Mineral export permission (MEP) for UOC

Under regulation 9 of the Customs (Prohibited Exports) Regulations 1958 you must have a mineral export permission (MEP) to export UOC.

The Minister for Resources grants MEPs in line with this regulation. You will need to demonstrate that you have met all federal and state requirements before the minister grants a MEP.

Material Description Use
Uranium ore concentrate (UOC)

UOC is commonly known as yellowcake and looks like a yellow powder.

It is obtained by milling uranium ore and using chemicals, creating uranium oxide (U₃O₈).

UOC production is the first processing step in the nuclear fuel cycle.

Australian UOC is used as a feedstock for conversion and enrichment to produce nuclear fuel that can be used for peaceful purposes by Australia’s NCA partners.

If you want to export controlled ores and other nuclear material from Australia (for example zircon or tantalum), you must hold a different permission.

If you want to export thorium for use in nuclear energy, contact us.

How we regulate UOC exports

Our department works closely with the Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office (ASNO) and Australian Border Force (ABF). This ensures Australia meets all its non-proliferation obligations and uranium is not exported without a valid MEP.

The ABF is our frontline border security agency and facilitates the movement of goods across the border. They make sure controlled exports have the necessary approvals to leave the country.

Application process

  • Engage

    Contact us as early as possible to discuss your proposal, ideally one to 2 years ahead of your first intended export. We will discuss your proposal and guide you on your application.

    ASNO will advise you of any additional requirements under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation (Safeguards) Act 1987.

  • Apply

    Use our UOC MEP online application form.

  • Review

    We will work closely with ASNO during the assessment process and we will engage with the minister for a final decision. This can take around 12 months or more to complete.

  • Outcome

    We will notify you of the outcome. There is no guarantee that the minister will approve your MEP application. If your application is unsuccessful, you may contact us to discuss your options.

Ongoing shipments

If you hold a UOC MEP you must comply with the conditions of your MEP, including applying for approval for every shipment of UOC. 

More information

Read about other minerals with export controls
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