Last week’s Asset Management Council Symposium in Perth focused on Safe, Secure, Sustainable Nuclear Asset Management. Tellus’ Managing Director & CEO Nate Smith was there.
On stage, Nate outlined why Australia’s radioactive and hazardous waste challenge is fundamentally an asset management challenge, and why the nation needs fit-for-purpose, long-term infrastructure to keep pace with growing waste streams.
Australia is already generating significant volumes of low-level radioactive waste, with further growth expected from:
– Offshore oil and gas decommissioning (NORM)
– Medical and research sources
– Defence and legacy government holdings
– Critical minerals and rare earths processing
– Future AUKUS submarine activities
Many of these wastes are intractable. They cannot be recycled or reused.
Safe, permanent isolation capacity is essential.
Tellus’ Sandy Ridge geological repository is already playing a critical role. As Australia’s only operating commercial facility approved to accept low-level radioactive waste nationwide, Sandy Ridge demonstrates what modern, engineered disposal infrastructure looks like in practice.
Importantly, Sandy Ridge more than just a site. It’s a vital component of a complex national asset system that includes:
– Licensed disposal infrastructure
– A robust safety case developed over more than a decade
– Trained workforce and specialist capabilities
– Established transport and logistics interfaces
– Strong First Nations and community partnerships
– Ongoing regulatory and assurance frameworks
If Australia is committed to building sovereign capability in critical minerals, defence, the energy transition and medical research, then long-term hazardous chemical and radioactive waste infrastructure must be part of the national conversation.
Maintaining and expanding this system is essential to sustaining Australia’s industrial, research and defence base. Tellus is proud to play its part in equipping Australia to handle the full spectrum of future waste challenges responsibly and securely.
Tellus thanks the Asset Management Council Symposium for inviting Nate Smith to speak and hosting a day filled with important conversations.