The federal resources minister, Ian Macfarlane, says he is disappointed that the Northern Territory's Chief Minister has refused to join the debate over the opening of more Australian uranium mines.
The Northern Territory Labor Party is currently discussing whether they lift restrictions on the number of uranium mines because of the increasing global demand for AUSTRALIA's uranium.
But the Territory Chief Minister, Clare Martin, has refused to say whether she supports any change to the policy.
Mr Macfarlane says even though Ms Martin is refusing to enter negotiations with the Commonwealth, the political process will continue without her.