BHP Group Ltd., the world’s largest miner, is urging Australia to lift its long-standing ban on nuclear power as the country strives to decarbonize its electricity system. Laura Tyler, BHP’s chief technical officer, emphasized the importance of including nuclear energy in the energy mix for a safe and reliable power supply alongside wind, solar, batteries, and other sources.
BHP, which primarily earns its profits from Australian iron ore and coal mines, also produces uranium for nuclear reactors at its Olympic Dam site. A growing global interest in nuclear energy stems from concerns about natural gas shortages following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the need to decarbonize electricity grids, and the development of smaller and more affordable reactors.
Despite Australia’s historical lack of nuclear power and the ban that has been in effect since the 1990s, the opposition Liberal-National coalition is actively pushing for the ban to be lifted. They argue that renewable resources alone cannot provide the necessary reliable baseload power to replace phased-out coal plants.
BHP aims to achieve net-zero emissions across its operations by 2050 but has recently warned of potential short-term emission increases.
Source: MINING.COM
Image Source: BHP Olympic Dam