NSW could be a step closer to getting its first uranium mine, with the state government giving six companies the chance to apply for uranium exploration licences.

Resources and Energy Minister Anthony Roberts says the explorations will give the government a better understanding the extent of the state’s resources and potential economic benefits.

Three NSW locations – around Broken Hill, near Cobar and south of Dubbo – are on the radar for possible uranium deposits.

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Laws allowing uranium exploration in NSW came into affect in 2012, but mining is still banned.

“Companies that apply for and are granted an exploration licence will only be allowed to perform low impact exploration and environmental monitoring, any other activities will require further approvals,” Mr Roberts said in a statement on Thursday.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott last week signed a deal in India overturning a long-standing ban on uranium exports to the subcontinent.

There are already five uranium mines in Australia.

Uranium exploration and mining is approved in South Australia, Western Australia, Queensland, Tasmania and the Northern Territory.

Mr Roberts said strict environmental, health and safety standards would be applied to the exploration licences.

The companies invited to apply for the licences are: Australian Zirconia Ltd; Callabonna Resources Ltd and HNFL Holdings Pty Ltd; EJ Resources Pty Ltd; Hartz Rare Earths Pty Ltd; Iluka Resources Ltd; and Marmota Energy Ltd.