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SYDNEY - BHP Billiton Ltd says it wants to develop one of Australia's largest untapped uranium deposits, after the state government where the deposit is located lifted a ban on mining the nuclear power feedstock. The 10-kilometre-long (6 miles) Yeelirrie deposit, located about 1,000 km north of Perth in west Australia, is estimated to contain about 52,000 tonnes of uranium. That's 7 percent more than total world production last year, according to figures from the World Nuclear Association.

AUSTRALIA is to lead the way on kick-starting the faltering nuclear disarmament process, with former foreign minister Gareth Evans to co-chair an international commission. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd announced his plan to establish an international commission on nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament after an emotional visit to the Japanese city of Hiroshima this morning.

The New South Wales Government is facing scrutiny over plans to sell-off contaminated land at Hunters Hill, on Sydney's north shore. An Upper House inquiry will be established into the land, which was once used for uranium processing. The Greens won support for the inquiry from the Opposition and crossbenches.