The development of the Australian uranium industry over the last decade has been subject to socio-political controversy, but the industry is now beginning to emerge onto the world scene._x000D_
The socio-political controversies which have existed over developing Australian uranium are discussed and suggestions put forward as to possible changes in the relationship of the mining industry to the pplitical and social structure of Australian Society._x000D_
The rate of growth in energy consumption is considered and on the basis of a growth rate of 3% by the year 2000 the world will be consuming twice the amount of energy that it does today. It is anticipated that the growth in generation of electrical power will be greater than the growth rate fQr energy._x000D_
The dominant part played by coal and nuclear power in the generation of electrical power is discussed. Nuclear power at present, contributes about 4% of the world's electricity requirements and by the turn of the century this could be nearer to 30%.