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A mining project has been approved for sedimentary uranium exploration in the South Australian Riverland West region.
The Australian Rare Earth (AR3) Overland Uranium Project is expected to start drilling across more than 700 square kilometres of pastoral land just north of Morgan in October.
It comes as demand for the mineral primarily used for nuclear energy continues to grow in the global transition to renewable and clean energies.
The initial phase of processing uranium ore. (ABC News)
'Little information' on area
The project has received two initial Exploration Program for Environment Protection and Rehabilitation approvals from the South Australian Department of Energy and Mining.
AR3 managing director Travis Beinke said it was an "exciting, early-stage project".
"It's a green fields exploration play, which means there's very little information or knowledge around the uranium prospectivity within the area," he said.
"We've secured about 3,000 square kilometres of exploration licences … in an area that has essentially never been drilled for uranium.
"It's a very large footprint if you think about the size of a potential mine site and a deposit can be quite small.
"Any potential discovery it's almost a little bit like a needle in a haystack … but it would be an educated search for it."
Mining engineering lecturer Dr George Barakos says the global demand for uranium is expected to continue to increase. (Supplied: George Barakos)
More exploration opportunities
Australia has the biggest global reserve of uranium, however it is all exported to international markets with South Australia a major exporter of uranium oxide.
Western Australia School of Mines mining engineering lecturer Dr George Barakos said the demand for alternative energy sources was strong.
"We have many countries that seek to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels,” he said.
"Nuclear energy will play a significant role in the global energy transition."
Uranium is primarily used in the creation of nuclear energy. (Pexels: Rob; license)
Dr Barakos said exploration projects could become more common across the country, however significant investment was required.
"We do have some exploration projects, but it always depends because of the non-production of nuclear power," he said.
"The hurdles, the bans and the uncertainties concerning mining and processing in some of the states might affect exploration investment.
"But if the demand keeps on increasing globally, then that will impact exploration in Australia and globally as well."
Minimal impact during exploration
The land approved for exploration is currently used for sheep grazing.
Dr Barakos said if safety measures and regulations were followed, there was "nothing to worry about" regarding uranium mining.
"If all measurements are taken, and if we have responsible and safe mining, then there will be no problem for the environment," he said.
A drilling rig will be used by Australian Rare Earth during its uranium exploration. (Supplied: Australian Rare Earths Limited )
Mr Beinke said efforts would be made for minimal interference when drilling begins next month.
"We go through an extensive engagement process with the landowners," he said.
"The actual equipment that is on site for a short period of time during exploration is a small drill rig with some support vehicles."