The Minerals Council of Australia has welcomed a government report which recommends that the current legislated bans on nuclear energy in New South Wales be repealed and says nuclear is “a viable possibility” for the state’s future energy generation needs.

The council said the report, prepared by the New South Wales legislative council, represents another major step forward in the national debate where nuclear energy is at last being considered on its merits of providing reliable, affordable zero-emission power.

“The report highlights that the current ban on uranium mining is impeding New South Wales’ understanding of this important resource, and that the NSW government should encourage exploration for uranium,” a statement said.