The timeline for the state's planned first uranium mine has slipped following a rigorous environmental assessment phase.
Toro Energy announced a revised target date for a final board decision on whether to proceed with its Wiluna project in central WA, moving it back to the first half of 2013.
The company had previously expected to make a final decision by the end of 2012.
The project was approved by the state's Environmental Protection Authority in May and appeals are currently being reviewed ahead of a decision by WA environment minister Bill Marmion on whether to approve the planned mine.
Managing director Greg Hall said the company hoped Mr Marmion would make a decision by the end of September.
"But that is going to be up to him," Mr Hall said.
"After the minister has made his decision here, hopefully a month or so after that, we anticipate a federal government decision.
"Again, the timing is up to them."
Mr Hall said the environmental approvals process had taken a bit longer than hoped.
"But we know that the EPA has tried to be very, very thorough as it's the (state's) first mining proposal for uranium and the environment minister now is making sure he gives due process to evaluation of these appeals.
"So we're fine with the process they're undertaking."
Mr Hall said talks with potential joint venture partners and project financing were expected to advance after final approvals were received.
"But we still intend to be able to progress the project subject to those approvals and financing, subject to the market conditions at the time."
The Liberal state government in 2008 lifted a six-year ban on uranium mining that was imposed by the previous Labor government.
WA's opposition remains opposed to uranium mining, but will not stand in the way of any planned uranium mine that has received approvals if the party wins state elections in March.
There are no other uranium projects in WA that would be fully environmentally approved by the time of the election.
