A push to ramp-up Australia’s uranium industry continues, with exploration permits handed out for new grounds in the Northern Territory.

Uranium hopeful Toro Energy has agreed to a joint venture deal with nuclear stalwart AREVA Resources.

The deal gives them access to the Wiso exploration package - a 2,292 km stretch south west of Tennant Creek.

Toro says Wiso Basin is formed very much like the sandstone found in Kazakhstan where many of the world’s top uranium mines are located.

“We are excited to have AREVA participate in our substantial exploration portfolio at a time when few companies are actively exploring in Australia for uranium,” Toro’s Managing Director, Dr Vanessa Guthrie said.

AREVA is understood to have agreed to spend $500,000 within two years to secure its 51 per cent interest in the project, at which point it will have the option to lay out a further $1.5 million for an 80 per cent interest.

Drilling is should start in the first half of 2015.

Toro Energy is also vying for the rights to Western Australia’s first uranium mine, with only the final financing deals left for the Wiluna project.