Now that the Labor Party has overturned its no new uranium mines policy, South Australian Premier Mike Rann says he will fast-track 100 applications for uranium exploration licences.

Labor scrapped its uranium policy at its national conference at the weekend.

Mr Rann says there are 60 companies in South Australia with 160 exploration licences for uranium, with another 100 in the queue.

"What we'll be seeing is a rush for exploration licences," he said.

Jason Kuchel from the South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy says companies that have found substantial deposits have so far been reluctant to move ahead.

"Prior to the Labor conference on the weekend those companies were unsure of whether or not they would be able to proceed," he said.

Mr Kuchel expects companies to apply to open new uranium mines within 12 months.