ASX-Listed Miner Bets WA Government Will Drop Its Uranium Mining Ban

Aurora Energy Metals has entered into an option to take over a number of uranium exploration licenses and applications in Western Australia.

A 100-tonne Caterpillar truck descends to the bottom of the Sue E open-pit uranium mine at Areva Resources Canada's McClean Lake site in McClean Lake, Saskatchewan, in this file photo. David Boily/AFP via Getty Images

In 2017, Labor leader Mark McGowan was swept into power in Western Australia (WA), winning the largest majority government and seat tally in the state’s parliamentary history until that point—taking 41 of the 59 seats in the Legislative Assembly. McGowan resigned last year, handing over the reins to Roger Cook.

It would seem to make little sense for Cook to contemplate overturning one of McGowan’s first policies: a ban on uranium mining in the state.