Australia-China nuclear trade deal imminent

China could soon have access to the world's biggest uranium reserves if Australian and Chinese negotiators successfully reach a nuclear-trade agreement that allows companies like Rio Tinto PLC and WMC Resources Ltd to export uranium to the energy-starved country. The Wall Street Journal reported that a deal could be reached within the next 12 months "much sooner than expected" in a boost to China, which is in a race to build more nuclear-power plants to meet its rising electricity demand. Australia's uranium mining is regulated by the government to ensure that output is being not used for weapons development.