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(last updated 1 Oct 2024)

Contents:

Map of the United States linking to State information. Source: USGS no selection


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Alta Mesa · Arizona 1 · Brown Ranch · Canyon (AZ) · Cañon City · Christensen Ranch · Cotter mines (CO) · Crow Butte · Daneros · Denison mines (CO) · Highland (PRI) · Hobson · IMC Global · Irigaray · J-Bird · Kingsville Dome · Lance · La Sal Mines Complex (Denison) · Lost Creek · Moore Ranch · Mt. Taylor · Nichols Ranch · North Butte · Palangana · Pandora · Pinenut · Pinyon Plain · Rim · Rosita · Ross · Schwartzwalder · Smith Ranch · Sunday · Sweetwater · Vasquez · Velvet · West Slope Project · White Mesa · Willow Creek


> See also Issues for: New Mining Projects · Decommissioning Projects · Legislation & Regulations
> See also Data for: Deposits, Proposed and Active Mines · Old Mines and Decommissioning

General

> See also: National Reports for Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management (IAEA)

 

U.S. uranium production increases by 18% to 37.6 t U in second quarter of 2024

DOE EIA's quarterly production report for the second-quarter 2024 reports a uranium production figure of 97,709 lb U3O8 [37.6 t U], up from 82,533 lb U3O8 [31.7 t U] in the previous quarter.
> Download: Domestic Uranium Production Report Second-Quarter 2024 , U.S. DOE EIA, Sep. 19, 2024 (298kB PDF)

U.S. uranium production increases more than sixfold ... to 31.7 t U in first quarter of 2024

DOE EIA's quarterly production report for the first-quarter 2024 reports a uranium production figure of 82,533 lb U3O8 [31.7 t U], up from 12,653 lb U3O8 [4.9 t U] in the previous quarter.
> Download: Domestic Uranium Production Report First-Quarter 2024 , U.S. DOE EIA, May 13, 2024 (269kB PDF)

U.S. uranium production cut by half ... to 4.9 t U in fourth quarter of 2023

DOE EIA's quarterly production report for the fourth-quarter 2023 reports a uranium production figure of 12,653 lb U3O8 [4.9 t U], down from 27,012 lb U3O8 [10.4 t U] in the previous quarter.
> Download: Domestic Uranium Production Report Fourth-Quarter 2023 , U.S. DOE EIA, Dec. 6, 2023 (260kB PDF)

U.S. uranium production more than triples ... to 10.4 t U in third quarter of 2023

DOE EIA's quarterly production report for the fourt-quarter 2023 reports a uranium production figure of 12,653 lb U3O8 [4.9 t U], up from 7,443 lb U3O8 [2.863 t U] in the previous quarter.
> Download: Domestic Uranium Production Report Fourth-Quarter 2023 , U.S. DOE EIA, Feb. 2024 (271kB PDF)

U.S. uranium production triples ... to 2.9 t U in second quarter of 2023

DOE EIA's quarterly production report for the second-quarter 2023 reports a uranium production figure of 7,443 lb U3O8 [2.863 t U], up from 2,511 lb U3O8 [0.966 t U] in the previous quarter.
> Download: Domestic Uranium Production Report Second-Quarter 2023 , U.S. DOE EIA, August 2023 (268kB PDF)

U.S. uranium production reaches all-time low of 0.966 t U in the first quarter of 2023

DOE EIA's quarterly production report for the first-quarter 2023 reports a uranium production figure of 2,511 lb U3O8 [0.966 t U], down from 174,712 lb U3O8 [67.2 t U] in the previous quarter.
> Download: Domestic Uranium Production Report First-Quarter 2023 , U.S. DOE EIA, May 2023 (257kB PDF)

U.S. uranium production increases 54-fold(!) to 67.2 t U in the fourth quarter of 2022

DOE EIA's quarterly production report for the fourth-quarter 2022 reports a uranium production figure of 174,712 lb U3O8 [67.2 t U], up from 3,245 lb U3O8 [1.25 t U] in the previous quarter.
> Download: U.S. DOE EIA: Domestic Uranium Production Report Fourth-Quarter 2022 , Feb. 2023 (267kB PDF)

U.S. uranium production decreases by 46% to 1.25 t U in the third quarter of 2022

DOE EIA's quarterly production report for the third-quarter 2022 reports a uranium production figure of 3,245 lb U3O8 [1.25 t U], down 46% from 6,042 lb U3O8 [2.3 t U] in the previous quarter.
> Download: U.S. DOE EIA: Domestic Uranium Production Report Third-Quarter 2022 , Nov. 2022 (289kB PDF)

U.S. uranium production decreases by 39% to 2.3 t U in the second quarter of 2022

DOE EIA's quarterly production report for the second-quarter 2022 reports a uranium production figure of 6,042 lb U3O8 [2.3 t U], down 39% from 9,946 lb U3O8 [3.8 t U] in the previous quarter.
> Download: U.S. DOE EIA: Domestic Uranium Production Report Second-Quarter 2022 , Aug. 2022 (287kB PDF)

U.S. uranium production a stable affair at 3.8 t U in the first quarter of 2022

DOE EIA's quarterly production report for the first-quarter 2022 reports a uranium production figure of 9,946 lb U3O8 [3.8 t U], slightly down from 9,978 lb U3O8 [3.8 t U] in the fourth quarter 2021.
> Download: U.S. DOE EIA: Domestic Uranium Production Report First-Quarter 2022 , May 2022 (303kB PDF)

Heydays of U.S. uranium industry are back: domestic uranium production almost doubled! (...from 2 t in third quarter to 3.8 t in fourth quarter of 2021)

DOE EIA's quarterly production report for the fourth-quarter 2021 discloses a uranium production figure of 9,978 lb U3O8 [3.8 t U], after 5,297 lb U3O8 [2 t U] in the third quarter.
> Download: U.S.DOE EIA: Domestic Uranium Production Report Fourth-Quarter 2021 , Feb. 2022 (288kB PDF)

U.S. domestic uranium production data actually disclosed for 3rd quarter 2021, after it was withheld for the five preceding quarters: 2 tonnes U

Other than the reports for the previous five quarters, DOE EIA's quarterly production report for the third-quarter 2021 actually discloses a uranium production figure, though it is not very impressive: the total production was 5,297 lb U3O8 [2 t U].
> Download: U.S.DOE EIA: Domestic Uranium Production Report Third-Quarter 2021 , Nov. 2021 (294kB PDF)

 

Creation of a uranium reserve for nuclear weapons activities

DOE to award conversion contract for strategic uranium reserve to Converdyn:
> View here

DOE awards first contracts for supply of uranium for strategic uranium reserve:
On Dec. 15, 2022, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) notified the first successful suppliers on the awards for U.S. origin uranium for its strategic uranium reserve. DOE was seeking up to an estimated one million pounds of U3O8 [384.6 t U], produced at a domestic uranium recovery facility and already in storage at the Honeywell Metropolis Works uranium conversion facility located in Metropolis, Illinois.

DateCompanymillion
lbs U3O8
t U$ million
awarded
$/lb U3O8
awarded
$/lb U3O8
spot price
premium awarded
on spot price
Dec. 16, 2022Peninsula Energy Limited 0.3115.4(18.5)(61.67)48.00(+28%)
Energy Fuels Inc.(0.3)(115.4)18.5(61.67)(+28%)
Dec. 20, 2022enCore Energy Corp.0.1  38.5  7.0570.5047.60+48%
Uranium Energy Corp0.3115.417.8559.50+25%
Total/Average(1.0)(384.6)(61.9)(61.9) (+29%)
(awards data according to company announcements, values in parentheses guessed)

Interestingly, only the company with the smallest award is based in the U.S. (enCore Energy Corp.), while the others are based in Canada (Energy Fuels Inc., Uranium Energy Corp.) and in Australia (Peninsula Energy Limited). And, it is the U.S.-based company that received the highest premium by far on the spot price, if our guesses are correct.
At spot prices, the cost of the total amount awarded would be $47.84 million, so the estimated total premium awarded is $14.06 million. Still, the estimated total of $61.9 million awarded utilizes only 82.5% of the $75 million appropriated by Congress for this year.

Six Democrats oppose Energy Department's proposed uranium reserve: A group of six Democrats is criticizing the Energy Department's proposed uranium reserve that could feed U.S. nuclear fuel and boost American mining.
The Biden administration has argued that creating a uranium reserve could bolster its clean energy goals since nuclear energy doesn't have any emissions. But in their Wednesday (Sep. 15) letter, the lawmakers warn of potentially adverse impacts on nearby communities and say there's not a need to increase U.S. extraction.
"The establishment of a government-funded uranium reserve poses a serious threat to the health of Tribal and environmental justice communities, as well as to the overall environment," said the letter, which was led by Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) and Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.).
"Furthermore, there is no urgent need for domestic uranium. Instead of establishing a uranium reserve, the DOE should focus on the cleanup and remediation of existing toxic waste and conduct extensive outreach with communities affected by current and previous uranium mining operations," they added. (The Hill Sep. 15, 2021)
> Download: Letter of opposition, Sep. 15, 2021 (PDF)

DOE invites public comment on topics related to establishment of Uranium Reserve program:
Submit comments by October 13, 2021 (Comment period reopened).
> Federal Register Volume 86, Number 152 (Wednesday, August 11, 2021) p. 44007-44009 (download full text )
> Federal Register Volume 86, Number 174 (Monday, September 13, 2021) p. 50878-50879 (download full text )

President Biden's 2022 budget proposal omits funding of uranium reserve The Biden administration is not seeking funding for a national uranium reserve created under former President Trump, according to budget documents released by the White House on Friday (May 28). (Bloomberg Law May 28, 2021)
> Download: FY 2022 President's Budget

Congress approves appropriations of US$ 75 million for a uranium reserve for nuclear weapons activities: The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 approved by both chambers of Congress on Dec. 21, 2020, includes appropriations of US$ 75 million for a uranium reserve for nuclear weapons activities - that is half of the amount shown in the president's budget proposal. The bill now goes to the White House for the president's signature to become law.
> Download: Text of Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 , Dec. 21, 2020 (8.6MB PDF)
[Assuming the total expenditures of US$ 66 per lb U3O8 produced in the U.S. in 2018 (i.e. US$ 108.8 million for 1.647 million lb U3O8 produced, see: 2019 Domestic Uranium Production Report, DOE EIA, May 2020), the appropriated amount corresponds to 1.136 million lb U3O8, or 437 t U, corresponding to approx. 40% of the annual production capacity of the White Mesa Mill alone.]
The act was signed into law by President Donald Trump on December 27, 2020.

President's budget proposes US$ 150 million for creation of uranium reserve in order to support struggling uranium mining companies: President Donald Trump's 2021 budget proposed $150 million for the creation of a U.S. uranium reserve as the administration seeks to help struggling producers of the fuel for nuclear power reactors. The money, if approved by Congress, would begin the process of purchasing uranium, Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette told reporters in a teleconference on the Energy Department's budget. (Reuters Feb. 10, 2020)
> Download: The Budget for Fiscal Year 2021 (p.385-430): Department of Energy (537kB PDF - White House)

 

Annual U.S. domestic uranium production data withheld for the first time

After the quarterly production data was withheld four times already (see below), now the annual production data is withheld for the first time. In addition, the uranium reserve estimates are withheld for the first time, too.
> Download: 2020 Domestic Uranium Production Report , U.S. DOE EIA, May 2021 (838kB PDF)
What is the purpose of a report titled "2020 Domestic Uranium Production Report", if it withholds the key figures?

Uranium Energy Corp prefers to buy uranium on the spot market rather than mining it

On Mar. 16, 2021, Uranium Energy Corp announced that "we are establishing a physical uranium inventory initiative and have entered into initial agreements totaling $10.9 million to purchase 400,000 pounds of U.S. warehoused uranium [154 t U] at our account with the ConverDyn facility in Metropolis, Illinois.
This initiative will support three objectives: 1) bolsters our balance sheet as uranium prices appreciate; 2) provides strategic inventory to support future marketing efforts with utilities that could compliment production and accelerate cashflows; and 3) increases the availability of our Texas and Wyoming production capacity for emerging U.S. origin specific opportunities which may command premium pricing due to scarcity of domestic uranium."

On Mar. 17, 2021, Uranium Energy Corp further announced that it has secured 800,000 pounds of additional U.S. warehoused uranium [308 t U], consisting of 500,000 pounds for April delivery and 300,000 pounds for December delivery. Including the previously announced acquisition of 400,000 pounds, UEC has now entered into contracts to purchase a total of 1,200,000 pounds of U3O8 [462 t U] at a volume weighted average price of $28.94 per pound.

On Apr. 6, 2021, Uranium Energy Corp further announced that it has now secured an additional 705,000 pounds of U.S. warehoused uranium [271 t U], with delivery dates out to December 2022.
Including the previously announced contracts to acquire 1,400,000 pounds of uranium concentrates [538 t U], UEC has now entered into additional purchase contracts for a total of 2,105,000 pounds of U3O8 [810 t U] at a volume weighted average price of ~$30 per pound.

Quarterly U.S. domestic uranium production data withheld - because it is too low to meter?

> Download: U.S.DOE EIA: Domestic Uranium Production Report, Second-Quarter 2020 , Aug. 2020 (318kB PDF)

And, the same happened with the data for the 3rd quarter 2020:
> Download: U.S.DOE EIA: Domestic Uranium Production Report, Third-Quarter 2020 , Nov. 2020 (328kB PDF)

... and the 4th quarter 2020:
> Download: U.S.DOE EIA: Domestic Uranium Production Report Fourth-Quarter 2020 , Feb. 2021 (324kB PDF)

... and the 1st quarter 2021:
> Download: U.S.DOE EIA: Domestic Uranium Production Report First-Quarter 2021 , Apr. 2021 (298kB PDF)

... and the 2nd quarter 2021:
> Download: U.S.DOE EIA: Domestic Uranium Production Report Second-Quarter 2021 , Aug. 2021 (306kB PDF)

U.S. uranium production reaches historic low

"U.S. production of uranium concentrate (U3O8) in the first quarter of 2019 was 58,481 pounds [22.5 t U], down 83% from the fourth quarter of 2018 and down 74% from the first quarter of 2018." (emphasis added)
> Download: Domestic Uranium Production Report - Quarterly, Data for 1st Quarter 2019 , U.S. DOE EIA, May 1, 2019 (PDF)

"U.S. uranium production in 2018 was the lowest in nearly 70 years:
The United States produced 1.47 million pounds of uranium concentrate [565 t U] in 2018, down for the fourth consecutive year and the lowest total since 1950, based on preliminary production data. Uranium production in the United States has declined since its peak of 43.7 million pounds [16,808 t U] in 1980 and has remained below 5 million pounds [1,923 t U] annually for more than 20 years." (emphasis added)
> View: DOE EIA release May 6, 2019

U.S. uranium production decreased further to 44,569 lb U3O8 [17.1 t U] in the second quarter, and to 32,211 lb U3O8 [12.4 t U] in the third quarter, then recovered slightly to 38,614 lb U3O8 [14.9 t U] in the fourth quarter of 2019.
Preliminary U.S. uranium concentrate production totaled 173,875 pounds of U3O8 [66.9 t U] in 2019. This amount is 88% lower than the 1,447,875 pounds of U3O8 [556.9 t U] produced in 2018 and is the lowest annual production on record.
> Download: Domestic Uranium Production Report - Quarterly, Fourth-quarter 2019 , U.S. DOE EIA, Feb. 13, 2020 (PDF)

"U.S. production of uranium concentrate (U3O8) in the first quarter of 2020 was 8,098 pounds [3.1 t U], down 79% from the fourth quarter of 2019 and down 86% from the first quarter of 2019." (emphasis added)
> Download: Domestic Uranium Production Report First-Quarter 2020 , U.S. DOE EIA, May 2020 (325kB PDF)

Natural Resources Defense Council issues study on environmental impacts of uranium in situ leach mining and related regulatory failures in the U.S.

> See here


 

Arizona


> See also Issues for: New Mining Projects · Decommissioning Projects · Legislation & Regulations
> See also Data for: Deposits, Proposed and Active Mines · Old Mines and Decommissioning

Arizona 1 mine, Mohave County

> View deposit info

Comment invited on Air Permit renewal for Arizona 1 uranium mine: ADEQ proposes to issue Air Quality Control Renewal Permit No. 75725 to Energy Fuels Resources (USA) Inc. for the continued operation of the Arizona 1 underground uranium mine located in Mohave County, Ariz.
Submit comments by June 6, 2019.
> View: Public Notice, May 8, 2019 , and related documents

ADEQ issues Air Permit for Arizona 1 Mine: On Oct. 13, 2016, ADEQ issued Air Quality Permit No. 63895 to Energy Fuels Resources (USA, Inc. for the Arizona 1 uranium mine.
> Download permit and related documents (ADEQ)

ADEQ invites comment on revised draft Air Permit for Arizona 1 uranium mine:
Submit comments by August 30, 2016.
> Download draft permits and related documents (ADEQ)

ADEQ issues revised draft Air Permit for Arizona 1 uranium mine:
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality is still working on developing new, more environmentally protective air quality permits for three uranium mines in the Grand Canyon region.
The action comes after news broke late last year that elevated uranium levels had been measured in soils near Pinenut uranium mine, located 10 miles north of the Grand Canyon and owned by Energy Fuels Resources. In response, ADEQ decided to suspend its work on air quality permit renewals for all four uranium mines operated by Energy Fuels Resources.
ADEQ is now working to complete drafts of the new air quality permits for public review and comment. The revisions include faster execution of enhanced dust control measures if elevated uranium or radium levels are detected and extensive changes to the required soil sampling and radiation survey plan to mitigate potential impacts from high wind.
The state department will host public hearings on the new draft permits in Flagstaff, Tuba City and Fredonia, which it hopes to begin in early summer. (Arizona Daily Sun Apr. 15, 2016)
> Download: Energy Fuels Resources (USA) Inc. Draft Permit No. 59874 , March 23, 2016 (398k PDF)

Northern Arizona 'Zombie Mine' Petition calls for reform of uranium mining regulations on public lands:
> View here

ADEQ invites comment on proposed Air Permit renewal for Arizona 1 uranium mine:
Submit comments by August 21, 2014.
> Download: Public Notice ·Draft Permit ·Technical Support Document (PDF - ADEQ)

Mining at Arizona 1 mine to cease due to depletion of resources: Subject to the results of additional underground drilling, mining at the Arizona 1 mine is expected to cease in early FY-2014 due to the depletion of its known resources. (Energy Fuels Inc. Nov. 14, 2013)

Court dismisses appeal against reopening of Arizona 1 uranium mine: A federal appeals court has ruled against conservationists and tribes in their challenge of a uranium mine north of the Grand Canyon. The group had sued the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, alleging the agency relied on an outdated and inadequate environmental analysis in allowing the Arizona 1 Mine to resume operation. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Monday (Feb. 4) that the BLM hasn't made any decisions that would trigger a new analysis and that the 1988 operation plan allows for temporary closures. (AP Feb. 3, 2013)

Appeal challenges Arizona 1 uranium mine threatening Grand Canyon: On Nov. 28, 2011, Conservation groups and American Indian tribes filed an appeal in the 9th Circuit Court challenging a lower court ruling that allowed a uranium mine near Grand Canyon National Park to re-open without updating decades-old environmental reviews. The Arizona 1 uranium mine is located near Kanab Creek immediately north of Grand Canyon National Park.
In 2010, conservation groups and tribes sued the Bureau of Land Management for failing to modernize 23-year-old mining plans and environmental reviews prior to allowing Denison Mines to resume uranium mining after the mine was shuttered in 1992. A federal judge in Phoenix this fall sided with the Bureau and the uranium industry saying no new plans or reviews were needed, prompting today's appeal.
The Arizona 1 is one of four existing uranium mines located in Grand Canyon's 1-million-acre watershed where the Obama administration has proposed a 20-year ban on new mining claims and uranium development on existing claims lacking valid existing rights. A final environmental impact statement was issued for the 1-million acre ban in October; a decision finalizing those protections could come as early as today. (Center for Biological Diversity Nov. 28, 2011)

Reopened Arizona 1 uranium mine largely left to regulate itself: Denison Mines began hauling ore out of the first and only uranium mine to reopen so far, 35 miles southwest of Fredonia, in December 2009. State environmental inspectors didn't arrive for a first inspection at the mine until it had already been open for about nine months. The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) had unfilled requests for documents and inspections by engineers that it sought before the mine opened. Mine operators set to work without answering some of these requests.
The first inspection at the mine came in September, and ADEQ inspected at the ground level only, not traveling into the mine that reaches more than 1,252 feet below. Nevertheless, the inspection yielded what ADEQ deemed four "major violations."

"ADEQ is neither equipped nor inclined to regulate these mines in a way that even remotely ensures against irretrievable harm to the environment," said Taylor McKinnon, public lands campaigns director at the Center for Biological Diversity .
In the same month ADEQ inspectors arrived, federal inspectors concerned with worker safety cited Denison and contractors with air quality violations, failure to properly label power switches, equipment safety violations, lack of firefighting equipment inspections, and with another violation that is still being contested. One contractor was injured at the mine site in 2009. In all, the Mine Safety and Health Administration found 38 possible mine safety violations at the Arizona 1 Mine in 2010, many of which Denison is contesting. (Arizona Daily Sun Jan. 16, 2011)

Arizona 1 uranium mine operating illegally, EPA says: A uranium mine north of the Grand Canyon is operating in violation of the law, and its owner could face thousands of dollars in fines as a result, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said. The agency issued a notice of violation this week to Denison Mines Corp. for its Arizona 1 Mine, which is about 20 miles from the Grand Canyon's northern border. The EPA said Denison failed to notify the agency as to when it would resume mining and that it did not secure the necessary federal approval before ventilating the mine or testing emissions.
Denison President Ron Hochstein said Tuesday (May 4) that he was surprised by the notice and believed the company was operating within the law. He said he was working with regulators to address those issues. (AP May 5, 2010)

> View older issues


Pinyon Plain mine, Coconino County

(formerly Canyon Mine)

> View deposit info

Navajo Nation approves regulations for uranium ore transport through reservation:
> View here

Environmental groups join tribes to protest Pinyon Plain uranium mine: Tribal leaders and conservationists came together Saturday (Aug. 24) to protest a mine extracting uranium south of the Grand Canyon. The Center for Biological Diversity estimated around 250 people attended the protest, which included members of the Havasupai and Lakota tribes. They're protesting Energy Fuel's Pinyon Plain Mine. (ABC15 Aug. 24, 2024)

Attorney General requests supplemental Environmental Impact Study for Pinyon Plain uranium mine: Arizona's attorney general has asked the Forest Service to update a nearly 40-year-old environmental review of a uranium mine on the Kaibab National Forest, saying there's new evidence of danger to regional water supplies.
In a letter Tuesday (Aug. 13) to forest supervisor Nicole Branton, state Attorney General Kris Mayes (D) said scientific advances in groundwater modeling "unequivocally show" that the Forest Service's past findings of no threat to water supplies from the Pinyon Plain mine were wrong.
In addition, Mayes said, a 2016 excavation mishap that's led the mine's operator, Energy Fuels Resources, to pump millions of gallons of water from the mine shaft suggests groundwater is closer to mining operations than believed when the Forest Service completed an environmental impact statement in 1986.
"Failure to supplement the EIS could result in devastating consequences for the region -- especially for vulnerable communities like the Havasupai Tribe," Mayes said. (E&E News Aug. 14, 2024)
> Downloal: AZ Attorney General letter to Forest Service , Aug. 13, 2024 (PDF)

Protest march against uranium ore hauling through Navajo Nation: Dozens of protestors, led by Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren, First Lady Jasmine Blackwater-Nygren and other leaders, marched on the northbound lanes of Highway 89 in Cameron on Fri, Aug. 2, 2024 against uranium hauling through the reservation. The highway was part of the route taken by trucks from the Pinyon Plain Mine near the South Rim of the Grand Canyon three days earlier when they began uranium ore transportation through a large swath of the nation.
Indigenous leaders and activists held protests over the weekend opposing the start of uranium ore transport from the state's only active uranium mine. (KNAU Aug. 4, 2024)

Governor, Energy Fuels agree to pause uranium ore transports through Navajo Nation: Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs and Energy Fuels have agreed to a pause the transporting uranium ore through the Navajo Nation. The ore was transported from the Pinyon Plain Mine in Tusayan to the White Mesa Uranium Mill in Blanding, Utah, near the southern Utah-Arizona border Tuesday (July 30). [...] Hobbs and Energy Fuels agreed to pause the shipments through Navajo lands, to give both Energy Fuels and the tribe an "opportunity to engage in good faith negotiations." (KAFF Aug. 1, 2024)

Navajo Nation President deploys police to stop unlawful uranium ore transport on tribal lands: The President of the Navajo Nation announced earlier today that he was sending police to stop the transport of uranium across tribal lands. In his statement, President Buu Nygren said that the shipment was being done illegally. He also stated the lack of notice from the mining company posed a danger to his people.
Energy Fuels Inc., the largest uranium provider in the United States, agreed to give the tribe notice before hauling uranium across exempted highways. According to Nygren, the tribe only found out about the shipment after trucks had departed.
Nygren dispatched tribal police to turn away the shipment. But, according to the Associated Press, the trucks left tribal lands before police could intercept them. (KSL July 31, 2024)

Navajo Nation is drafting regulations for uranium ore transport through reservation:
> View here

Interconnectivity of groundwater systems near Pinyon Plain/Canyon uranium mine poses risk to people, aquifers, and ecosystems, researchers find: A new research paper published recently in Annual Reviews of Earth and Planetary Sciences, coordinated by scientists from The University of New Mexico and collaborating institutions, addresses the complex nature and societal importance of Grand Canyon’s springs and groundwater. The paper, Hydrotectonics of Grand Canyon Groundwater , recommends sustainable groundwater management and uranium mining threats that require better monitoring and application of hydrotectonic concepts.
The data suggest an interconnectivity of the groundwater systems such that uranium mining and other contaminants pose risks to people, aquifers, and ecosystems. The conclusion based on multiple datasets is that groundwater systems involve significant mixing. (University of New Mexico Mar. 25, 2024)

County calls for more environmental monitoring for Pinyon Plain/Canyon uranium mine near Grand Canyon: The Coconino County Board of Supervisors has voiced their disapproval of this uranium mine in the past. On Tuesday (Feb. 20), they voted to affirm their disapproval and request action from the state to monitor the impacts of this mine. (KTVK/KPHO Feb. 20, 2024)
> View: Resolution No. 2024-09 , Feb. 20, 2024

Rumble on the Mountain concert raises awareness toward threats of uranium mining at Pinyon Plain/Canyon mine to Indigenous communities: Musicians and activists joined forces on Feb. 3 for Rumble on the Mountain X , a benefit concert at the Orpheum Theater [in Flagstaff, AZ] that raised awareness toward mining threats facing Indigenous communities near the Grand Canyon.
The 10th Rumble centered around Pinyon Plain Mine, formerly Canyon Uranium Mine. On Jan. 8, Pinyon Plain extracted uranium ore seven miles from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon for the first time. Construction for the mine began in 1986 but was not fully completed until 2022.
The mine began production in January after increased international demand for nuclear energy following the 28th United Nations Conference of the Parties (COP28). However, the mining processes raise concerns from tribes located near it, particularly the Havasupai, about negative health effects and environmental harm.  (jackcentral.org Feb. 11, 2024)

USGS partners with Havasupai Tribe to identify potential contaminant exposure pathways from Grand Canyon uranium mining: A new USGS [U.S. Geological Survey] report, co-produced with the Havasupai Tribe, identifies exposure pathways posed by uranium mining in the Grand Canyon watershed that arise from traditional uses and cultural values placed on resources. Previous models did not take into account Tribal perspectives or traditional uses. [...]
Newly identified exposure pathways for the Havasupai include inhalation, ingestion and absorption from traditional food and medicines as well as ceremonial practices. Incorporating these exposure pathways into future research and risk analyses will lead to results that are more inclusive of Tribal resources and culture. (USGS Jan. 30, 2024)
> Download: Expanded Conceptual Risk Framework for Uranium Mining in Grand Canyon Watershed -- Inclusion of the Havasupai Tribe Perspective , USGS Open-File Report 2023-1092, by Carletta Tilousi and Jo Ellen Hinck

Groups, scientists urge Arizona governor to close Pinyon Plain uranium mine in newly designated Grand Canyon National Monument: Echoing pleas from the Havasupai Tribe, Navajo Nation and other Tribes, scientists and Indigenous, faith, recreation and conservation organizations today called on Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs to close the Pinyon Plain uranium mine, which is located in the country's newest national monument near the Grand Canyon. Closing the mine will safeguard Tribal cultural heritage and prevent permanent damage to the Grand Canyon's aquifers and springs.
The groups are calling on Gov. Hobbs to use her authority to rescind permits issued by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality and instead issue new permits for closing and cleaning up the mine, also known as Canyon mine.
"This dangerous uranium mine should never have been approved, and we need Gov. Hobbs to fix this terrible mistake," said Taylor McKinnon, Southwest director for the Center for Biological Diversity . "The mining industry and regulators can't ensure that uranium mining won't permanently damage Grand Canyon's aquifers and springs. The governor needs to intervene before more irretrievable damage is done." (Center for Biological Diversity Jan. 29, 2024)

Navajo president warns of uranium ore transports from Pinyon Plain Mine through tribal lands: President Buu Nygren warned that the new Pinyon Plain Mine established just a few miles south of the national park will transport radioactive materials through Navajo communities.
The mine's owner, Energy Fuels, said it started mining uranium last month. It sits within the newly designated Baaj Nwaavjo I'itah Kukveni national monument and is operating because it was grandfathered in.
Nygren has warned that transporting uranium will occur through several Navajo communities in violation of tribal law. (KJZZ Jan. 15, 2024)

Tribes condemn start of uranium mining at Pinyon Plain Mine south of Grand Canyon: Two northern Arizona tribes this week condemned the start of operations at a uranium mine just south of the Grand Canyon.
The statements came after Canadian-based company Energy Fuels Inc. announced last month that operations at its Pinyon Plain Mine had commenced.
"It is with heavy hearts that we must acknowledge that our greatest fear has come true," a statement from the Havasupai Tribal Council read.
Meanwhile, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren said in a statement that mining remains opposed "by all neighboring tribes that have forever called Grand Canyon their home." (Arizona Daily Sun Jan. 13, 2024)

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Pinenut mine, Mohave County

> View deposit info

Energy Fuels closes Pinenut mine for good, after increased uranium level found in soil nearby: [The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality] reported that Energy Fuels Resources has ceased operations at Pinenut mine and transported all uranium ore to milling operations in Utah. The company is therefore no longer seeking to renew its air quality permit for that location. Permanent closure of the Pinenut mine is a long-term process and will require working with multiple agencies. (Arizona Daily Sun Apr. 15, 2016)

Renewal process for air-pollution permit of three Grand Canyon mines suspended, as fourfold increased uranium level found in soil near Pinenut mine: State environmental officials have suspended the air-pollution permit renewal process for three uranium mines near the Grand Canyon. Recent tests showed uranium content in the soil near one of the mines is four times higher than previously measured. Arizona Public Radio's Ryan Heinsius reports. The tests were conducted in July and October outside the perimeter of the Pinenut Mine facility. The analysis showed uranium in the soil at one out of the five testing sites had spiked since 2011 when the mine reopened.
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality says the elevated level of the radioactive metal doesn't present an immediate public health risk. But the agency has pushed the mines' owner, Energy Fuels Resources, to boost measures to control radioactive dust. ADEQ has also mandated that the company expand soil testing in the area.
ADEQ is considering the renewal of air-pollution permits for all three mines, but will suspend that process as it evaluates the company's new dust-control plan at the Pinenut Mine. The agency will eventually open a new public comment period and hold meetings for the permit renewals. (KNAU Arizona Public Radio Dec. 30, 2015)

ADEQ proposes to issue Air Quality Control Renewal Permit for Pinenut mine:
Submit comments by January 4, 2015.
> Download ADEQ Public Notice, Dec. 2, 2015 (PDF)
> Download Draft Permit (PDF)
> Download Draft Technical Support Document (PDF)

Conservation groups urge BLM to suspend Pinenut uranium mine in response to groundwater contamination: Conservation groups have sent a letter urging federal regulators to suspend operations at a uranium mine near the Grand Canyon, where millions of gallons of uranium-laced groundwater threaten people and wildlife. Records from the U.S. Geological Survey show that the contaminated groundwater -- 80 times the limit set to protect public health and the environment -- have inundated the Pinenut uranium mine immediately north of Grand Canyon National Park. It is unknown whether deep aquifers and nearby springs in the national park are also being polluted.
> View Grand Canyon Trust release Aug. 4, 2014

Pinenut uranium mine to continue operation into 2015: On Apr. 23, 2014, Energy Fuels announced that it has revised its previous guidance and currently expects to continue mining at its 100% owned Pinenut Mine through 2014 and into the 1st quarter of 2015.

Pinenut mine to be placed on care and maintenance due to market conditions: Mining at the Pinenut mine is expected to continue into the middle of FY-2014 (July 2014), at which point the mine is expected to be placed on care and maintenance. Re-starting mining activities at Pinenut would be evaluated in the context of business and market conditions, including the U3O8 price environment. (Energy Fuels Inc. Nov. 14, 2013)

Energy Fuels Incorporated proposes to open the Pinenut Mine in Mohave County late this month or in early June, according to a statement from the Bureau of Land Management. (Arizona Daily Sun May 9, 2013)

The state Department of Environmental Quality approved an air quality permit for Denison's Pinenut mine this week. (Arizona Republic Mar. 11, 2011)

On Nov. 12, 2010, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality started the public comment period for the proposed air quality permit for the Pinenut mine. Comment period ends January 14, 2011.
> View ADEQ public notice

On Sept. 1, 2009, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality issued a Discharge Authorization for the 3.04 General Aquifer Protection Permit (APP) 100300 for the Pinenut Mine to Denison Mines (USA) Corp.
> View details (AZDEQ)

On June 19, 2009, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) issued a public notice opening the public comment period on the Water Quality General Aquifer Protection Permit for Denison Mines Corp.'s Pinenut mine. Comment period ends July 22, 2009.
> Download ADEQ notice and documents (select "Public Notices, Meetings and Hearings")

Denison Mines has been denied a state permit for the reopening of the Pinenut mine: The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality said Denison Mines proposed using outdated, 20-year-old liners and impoundment ponds to capture uranium mine-related runoff. In addition, ADEQ said Denison wasn't specific enough in describing pollution-control measures at the proposed mines.
(Arizona Daily Sun May 14, 2008)


Colorado

> View extra page


Louisiana


> See also Issues for: New Mining Projects · Decommissioning Projects · Legislation & Regulations
> See also Data for: Deposits, Proposed and Active Mines · Old Mines and Decommissioning

By-product uranium production from phosphate in Louisiana to cease

By-product uranium production is to 'permanently' cease at IMC Global's Uncle Sam and Faustina facilities in Louisiana. Low uranium prices are cited as the major reason for the decision by senior management. The facilities' combined production of 950 000 lbs U3O8 (365.4 tU) last year accounted for approximately 16% of uranium produced in the US; 1998 production is expected to be similar. Meanwhile IMC's New Wales and Plant City recovery facilities in Florida have remained on 'stand-by' since 1992. (UI News Briefing 98.49, Dec. 9, 1998)


Nebraska


> See also Issues for: New Mining Projects · Decommissioning Projects · Legislation & Regulations
> See also Data for: Deposits, Proposed and Active Mines · Old Mines and Decommissioning

Crow Butte in-situ leach uranium mine, Dawes County, Nebraska

General · Three Crow Expansion · Marsland Expansion · North Trend Expansion · License violations and reportable events

> View mine details
> View NRC page

Uranium mining at Crow Butte is being opposed by Save Crow Butte

 

General

Cameco makes U-turn and now plans to restart rather than decommission Crow Butte in situ leach uranium mine

On Sep. 24, 2024, Crow Butte Resources, Inc. (CBR) applied for a 20-year renewal of Source Material License No. SUA-1534 for the continued operation of the Crow Butte in situ recovery uranium mine. (License renewal application , Sep. 24, 2024)

 

> See: decommissioning issues

 

Cameco requests permit amendment to place all mine units of mothballed Crow Butte in situ leach uranium mine in restoration phase

"Due to unfavorable market conditions and depleted uranium concentrations in the permitted portion of the Chadron aquifer, CBO has suspended production operations and would like to continue restoration activities in as efficient a manner as possible. [...]"
> Download Cameco Resources letter to Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ), June 5, 2018

NRC approves further 10-year extension of groundwater restoration schedule for Crow Butte in situ leach uranium mine

On Apr. 3, 2018, Cameco submitted to NRC a license amendment request for an alternate groundwater restoration schedule for Mine Units 2-6. The request extends completion of groundwater restoration for these mine units to 2022 - 2025. This constitutes a delay of up to 10 years compared to the originally approved groundwater restoration schedule (ML092220668 ).
> Download: Request for Alternate Decommissioning (Groundwater Restoration) Schedule , Apr. 3, 2018

On Dec. 14, 2018, NRC approved the requested 10-year extension of the groundwater restoration schedule.
> Download: NRC letter to Cameco , Dec. 14, 2018 (PDF)
> Download: Technical Evaluation Report , Dec. 14, 2018 (PDF)
> Download: Memorandum - Explanation for why actions qualified for selected categorical exclusion , Dec. 14, 2018 (PDF)
> Download: License SUA-1534, Amendment No. 4 , Dec. 14, 2018 (PDF)

Cameco plans to discontinue U.S. uranium mining operations

On Feb. 9, 2018, Cameco made the following announcement in its quarterly report for the fourth quarter of 2017: "As a result of our decision to defer all wellfield development at the US operations, production will cease in 2018, which is expected to result in production of less than 100,000 pounds." (p.68)
> Download: Cameco 2017 Q4 MD&A, Financial Statements & Notes , Feb. 9, 2018 (1.7MB PDF)
[This concerns the Crow Butte, Smith Ranch-Highland, and North Butte operations.]

On Apr. 2, 2018, Cameco notified NRC of the forthcoming cessation of production at the Crow Butte mine: "[...] the remaining production and injection from producing mine units will be shut off in the next 60 days. [...] Within the next 21 months, Cameco resources will submit Alternative Decommissioning Schedules for Crow Butte Resources. [...] All production equipment will remain on standby to provide the option to restart full operations in the future should market conditions warrant. The above mentioned Alternate Decommissioning Schedule will include a request to defer equipment decommissioning [...]."
> Download: Cameco letter to NRC, Apr. 2, 2018 (PDF)

Sharp rise of uranium value in monitoring well necessitates changes in groundwater restoration regime at Mine Unit 3 of Crow Butte in situ leach uranium mine

"While ensuring stability trends in MU3 [Mine Unit 3], well P246 (WH7 MU3) exceeded the restoration value for uranium. The value for uranium went from .09 [mg/L] (9/26/14) to 4.04 [mg/L] (3/29/17). Based on a discussion with Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ), MU3 was returned to IX/RO treatment on September 15, 2017 in order to spot treat the well. Spot treatment is currently ongoing in contrast to the requested alternate decommissioning schedule which lists MU3 as in stability monitoring. It is likely that mining solution from MU7 migrated into the area and impacted the water quality in P246. In addition to resuming restoration activities around the well, CBO has implemented a monitoring program around MU2 and MU3 in order to prevent a similar event." [emphasis added]
> Download Annual Report of Changes, Tests, or Experiments, License No. SUA-1534, Docket No. 40-8943 , Cameco Resources, Crow Butte Operation, Jan. 23, 2018 (34.1MB PDF)

Cameco's Crow Butte in situ leach uranium mine obtains NRC exemption to simplify determination of occupational doses from inhalation of radionuclides

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is issuing an exemption to Crow Butte Resources, Inc. (CBR) for the purpose of complying with occupational dose limits in response to a request from CBR dated September 21, 2015. Issuance of this exemption will allow CBR to disregard certain radionuclides that contribute to the total activity of a mixture when determining internal dose to assess compliance with occupational dose equivalent limits at its in situ uranium recovery (ISR) facility in Crawford, Nebraska.
> Federal Register Volume 81, Number 224 (Monday, November 21, 2016) p. 83289-83291 (download full text )
> Download: NRC License Amendment No. 1 and Safety Evaluation Report , Dec. 5, 2016
> Access: Docket ID NRC-2008-0208

Nebraska DEQ invites comment on permit renewal for wastewater discharge of Cameco's Crow Butte in situ leach uranium mine

The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ) proposes to reissue with change the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit for the Crow Butte Resources, Inc. d/b/a CAMECO RESOURCES Crow Butte Mine, 86 Crow Butte Rd., Crawford, NE (NPDES# NE0130613; SIC 1094). The mining facility produces uranium yellowcake by in-situ leach mining. The permit would authorize the LAND APPLICATION OF TREATED PROCESS WASTEWATER AT SITES WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES OF CROW BUTTE RESOURCES PROPERTY, located in the White River Basin, as specified by NDEQ. The permit would be issued for a period of up to five years and would restrict pollutant discharges to comply with the requirements of Department regulations.
Submit comments by September 23, 2016.
> View NDEQ Public Notice

NRC Board rules that tribe's unwillingness to cooperate on identification of Traditional Cultural Properties does not preclude license renewal for Crow Butte in situ leach uranium mine

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission's Atomic Safety and Licensing Board has released a Partial Initial Decision on challenges to renewal of the operating license of the Crow Butte uranium mine southeast of Crawford - and it's pretty much a split decision.
The Licensing Board agrees with opponents, including the Oglala Sioux Tribe, that NRC staff failed to meet National Historic Protection Act and National Environmental Polict Act requirements to work with the tribe to identify Traditional Cultural Properties in the mining lease area, but disagrees that the failures should result in denial of the license renewal.
The board says the unwillingness of the tribe and other intervenors to continue to participate in the consultation process with NRC staff weighs against their demand and that not granting renewal or extension would be an "undue hardship" on mine owner Cameco Resources and "unnecessary to cure the potential harms at issue." (Chadrad May 27, 2016)
> Download Partial Initial Decision LBP-16-07, May 26, 2016 (427k PDF)

On Oct. 8, 2020, the NRC denied Crow Butte Resources Inc.'s request to review LBP-16-07 (and LBP-15-11).
> Download: CLI-20-08 Memorandum and Order , Oct. 8, 2020 (PDF)

> See also: NRC invites comment on draft environmental assessment supplement and finding of no significant impact for license renewal of decommissioning Crow Butte in situ leach uranium mine

Cameco defers wellfield development at Crow Butte situ leach uranium mine due to depressed uranium market

On Apr. 21, 2016, Cameco announced that production is being curtailed at Cameco Resources' US operations by deferring wellfield development. The changes are expected to result in a reduction of about 85 positions, including employees and long-term contractors.
The US operations will continue to employ about 170 people to operate existing facilities and restore depleted wellfields, but new wellfield development will be stopped. The US operations will continue ongoing licensing efforts to maintain the option to resume development when market conditions significantly improve.

Cameco now also involved in tax dispute with the United States

> View here

Truck carrying hydrochloric acid to Crow Butte uranium in situ leach mine overturns

An Industrial Chemical truck from Denver, Colo., turned over approximately two miles from the Crow Butte Uranium Mine as it was making a delivery of hydrochloric acid to the facility. Dawes County Deputy Sheriff Scott Swickert said the accident occurred around 6 a.m. and was caused by the wintry weather conditions. "The trailer got into the soft shoulder of the road and it sucked the trailer into the ditch," he said. A small valve on the trailer broke off in the wreck, and Swickert described the hydrochloric acid as dribbling out. Neither Swickert or Crow Butte Mine knows as yet how much of the acid was spilled.
Ken Vaughan, communications director with Cameco, Crow Butte's parent company, said mine staff helped build a berm around the site of the accident to contain the spill. The Dawes County Sheriff and the Nebraska State Patrol are controlling access to the scene. (Rapid City Journal Feb. 4, 2015)

 

Nebraska DEQ invites comment on proposed permit renewal for Crow Butte deep disposal well

The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality is proposing to renew permit (NE0211670) and re-issue the permit (as NE0211670) to Crow Butte Resources, Inc. (CBR). CBR operates two Class 1 non-hazardous waste injection well designed to accept waste fluids generated at its in-situ uranium mining operation. The injection well is located in the Northwest Quarter of Section 19, Township 31 North, Range 51 West, Dawes County, Nebraska.
Submit comments prior to May 15, 2014.
(Lincoln Journal Star Apr. 3, 2014)
> Download Nebraska DEQ letter to NRC, Mar. 31, 2014 (ADAMS Acc. No. ML14100A234)

 

Cameco requests further exemption from groundwater restoration schedule at Mine Unit 3 of Crow Butte in situ leach uranium mine

By letter dated April 30, 2013 , Cameco requested a further extension of the completion of groundwater restoration at Mine Unit 3 until July 1, 2016. On Aug. 20, 2009, NRC had already approved an extension to July 1, 2013.

 

Crow Butte uranium mine site evacuated due to threatening wildfire

On Aug. 31 and Sep. 1, 2012, the Crow Butte site was evacuated due to threatening wildfire to the east of the mine. During the evacuation, a crew of five employees remained on-site for security purposes. During the evacuation, all source material on the site was kept under 24 hour surveillance. The wildfires did not enter the licensed area and as a result there were no releases to the environment. (Cameco letter to NRC, Sep. 11, 2012)

 

Cameco requests exemption from groundwater restoration schedules at Crow Butte in situ leach uranium mine

By letter dated February 8, 2012 , Cameco requested from NRC an exemption from the requirement to complete groundwater restoration within 24 months, because "the imposition of such precise, prescriptive timeframes to groundwater restoration in aquifers that are part of natural systems is not practicable".
By letter dated June 22, 2012 , NRC refused to review the exemption request, since it is incomplete. NRC notes in particular the missing of a description of how the exemption would not endanger life, property, or common defense and security, and, how it would be in the public interest. NRC explicitly expresses its dissatisfaction with the progress of groundwater restoration at the Crow Butte site:

 

Cameco study claims solubility type classification of yellow cake from in situ leaching is 100% "fast"

> View here

 

NRC denies Cameco's request for extension of the period of groundwater restoration at Mine Unit 6 of Crow Butte in situ leach mine

On Dec. 21, 2010, Cameco Resources requested NRC approval for an alternate restoration schedule for Mine Unit #6, extending the period of groundwater restoration to nine years - far beyond the regulatory requirement of 24 months.
On May 21, 2012, NRC denied Crow Butte Resources, Inc.'s request for an alternate restoration schedule for Mine Unit #6.

 

NRC approves extension of the period of groundwater restoration at Crow Butte in situ leach mine

On Aug. 20, 2009, NRC approved Crow Butte Resources, Inc.'s request to extend the period of groundwater restoration beyond the regulatory requirement of 24 months for each of the mine units currently in restoration (i.e., Mine Units 2 to 5).

 

NRC staff finds no problem with groundwater impacts of existing in-situ leach uranium mines

> View here

 

$50,000 penalty imposed on Crow Butte Resources for violations at ISL uranium mine

On May 23, 2008, the District Court of Lancaster County, Nebraska, imposed a $50,000 penalty on Cameco's subsidiary Crow Butte Resources for various violations at its Crow Butte in-situ leach uranium mine. According to the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality, beginning on or about July 1, 2003, and continuing daily thereafter until March 31, 2006, Crow Butte Resources (CBR) violated its UIC Permit No. NE0122611

> Download Complaint and Consent Decree May 23, 2008 (NE DEQ)

 

License renewal of Crow Butte uranium ISL mine

> For more recent issues, see decommissioning issues

NRC issues draft Supplement to the Environmental Assessment for the license renewal of mothballed Crow Butte in situ leach uranium mine: The staff of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has prepared this draft Supplement to the Environmental Assessment (EA) for the renewal of source materials license number SUA.1534 for the Crow Butte Resources, Inc. (CBR) in situ uranium recovery (ISR) facility in Crawford (Dawes County), Nebraska. This draft EA Supplement describes sites of historic, cultural, or religious significance to the Oglala Sioux Tribe that were identified during a field survey of the CBR license area conducted in November 2021 and evaluates the potential environmental impacts of the license renewal on those sites. [...]
Based on the 2014 EA and this EA Supplement, the NRC has preliminarily concluded that the proposed action (renewal of the CBR license) will have no significant environmental impacts on identified sites of significance to the Oglala Sioux Tribe or on any other cultural resources. Therefore, pursuant to 10 CFR 51.31, preparation of an environmental impact statement is not required for the proposed action, and pursuant to 10 CFR 51.32, a FONSI [Finding of No Significant Impact] is appropriate.
> Download: draft Supplement to the Environmental Assessment , Aug. 2022 (PDF)

NRC Board agrees to intervenors' demand to analyze impacts of possible land application of ISL wastewater at Crow Butte: The Atomic Safety and Licensing Board dismissed all contentions filed by intervenors except one: "[...] But we find, in part, for Intervenors on Contention 12 (Contention 12B) and conclude that the EA is deficient as to its discussion of Crow Butte's possible land application of ISL wastewater. The NRC Staff must reach its own independent conclusion, based on technical support in conformance with NEPA as to any potential impacts of selenium on wildlife from Crow Butte's possible land application of ISL wastewater."
> Download: Second Partial Initial Decision, LBP-16-13 , Atomic Safety and Licensing Board, Dec. 6, 2016 (1.1MB PDF)

On Nov. 29, 2018, the NRC Commissioners denied the intervenors' petition for review of the Second Partial Initial Decision, LBP-16-13.
> Download: Memorandum and Order CLI-18-08 , Nov. 29, 2018 (386kB PDF)

NRC Board to hold supplementary evidentiary hearing on intervenors' contentions against license renewal for Crow Butte uranium ISL mine: The Atomic Safety and Licensing Board gives notice that it will convene a supplemental evidentiary hearing (on October 23, 2015) to receive testimony regarding Crow Butte Resources' contested application to renew its U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission license to operate an in-situ uranium leach recovery facility near Crawford, Nebraska.
> Download NRC release Oct. 16, 2015 (PDF)
> Federal Register Volume 80, Number 194 (Wednesday, October 7, 2015) p. 60720-60722 (download full text )

NRC Board to hold evidentiary hearing on intervenors' contentions against license renewal for Crow Butte uranium ISL mine: The Atomic Safety and Licensing Board gives notice that it will convene an evidentiary hearing (beginning on Aug. 24, 2015) to receive testimony and exhibits regarding the contested application of Crow Butte Resources, Inc. before the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission seeking a renewal of its license to operate an in-situ uranium leach recovery (ISL) facility near Crawford, Nebraska. The Board also hereby gives notice that it will accept written limited appearance statements from members of the public regarding the License Renewal Application.
Written limited appearance statements may be submitted by August 28, 2015.
> Download: NRC news release Aug. 6, 2015 (PDF)
> Federal Register Volume 80, Number 137 (Friday, July 17, 2015) p. 42552-42554 (download full text )
> Access related documents: Crow Butte Resources Site (NRC)

NRC renews license for Crow Butte uranium ISL mine: On Nov. 6, 2014, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission announced that it has renewed Crow Butte Resources Inc.'s license to operate an in situ uranium recovery facility in Crawford, Neb., for an additional 10 years. The license now has an expiration date of Nov. 5, 2024.
> Download NRC release Nov. 6, 2014 (PDF)
> Federal Register Volume 79, Number 221 (Monday, November 17, 2014) p. 68490-68491 (download full text )

NRC issues Final Environmental Assessment and finding of no significant impact for license renewal of Crow Butte uranium in situ leach mine: NRC staff has determined that renewal of NRC license SUA-1534, which would authorize continued operation of the Crow Butte facility in Crawford, Nebraska for a period of up to 10 years will not significantly affect the quality of the human environment.
> Federal Register Volume 79, Number 210 (Thursday, October 30, 2014) p. 64629-64631 (download full text )
> Download Final Environmental Assessment For The License Renewal Of U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission License No. SUA–1534, October 2014
> Access Docket ID NRC-2008-0208

NRC issues Safety Evaluation Report on license renewal of Crow Butte uranium in situ leach mine: On Dec. 28, 2012, NRC released the Safety Evaluation Report on the license renewal of the Crow Butte uranium ISL mine:
> Download Safety Evaluation Report License Renewal of the Crow Butte Resources ISR Facility, December 2012
On Aug. 18, 2014, NRC released a revised Safety Evaluation Report on the license renewal of the Crow Butte uranium ISL mine:
> Download Safety Evaluation Report (Revised), License Renewal of the Crow Butte Resources ISR Facility Dawes County, Nebraska Materials License No. SUA-1534, August 2014

NRC issues draft of license renewal for Crow Butte uranium ISL mine:
> Download NRC cover letter May 23, 2011
> Download NRC draft source material license

On Aug. 11, 2011, NRC released another draft of the license renewal for the Crow Butte uranium ISL mine:
> Download NRC cover letter August 11, 2011
> Download NRC draft source material license

On Nov. 15, 2012, NRC released another draft of the license renewal for the Crow Butte uranium ISL mine:
> Download NRC cover letter August 11, 2011
> Download NRC draft source material license

Geologist raises concern over potential groundwater contamination at Crow Butte uranium ISL mine: Hannan LaGarry, a Chadron State geology instructor, said the Crow Butte mine has ignored recent studies that show faults and fractures in underground layers of rock that could carry contaminants to aquifers used for drinking and livestock. LaGarry said he's not opposed to uranium mining but is concerned that the mine is relying on outdated studies of underground rock. "In recent years, we've found that the assumptions made by previous workers were false and that newer detailed work shows a different story," he said. (Omaha World-Herald Dec. 14, 2008)

> See also: Expert opinion regarding ISL mining in Dawes County, Nebraska , by Hannan E. LaGarry, Ph. D., July 2008

Opponents to license renewal of Crow Butte uranium-mine granted hearing: Opponents of a uranium mine at Crawford, Neb., that is seeking to renew its license have been granted a hearing by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to voice environmental concerns. The commission has ruled in favor of granting a public hearing on several contentions raised by the Oglala Sioux Tribe; a tribal environmental group; seven individuals; and a northwest Nebraska environmental group, the Western Resources Council. The hearings likely would be held next spring, a commission spokesman said. (Omaha World-Herald Nov. 25, 2008)

NRC announces establishment of Atomic Safety and Licensing Board for license renewal of Crow Butte uranium ISL mine: This proceeding involves a license amendment application from Crow Butte Resources, Inc. seeking a 10-year renewal of its Source Materials License for the in situ leach uranium recovery facility located in Crawford, Nebraska. In response to a May 27, 2008 Notice of Opportunity for Hearing (73 FR 30426), petitions to intervene and requests for hearing have been submitted by (1) Elizabeth Lorina and Mario Gonzales representing the Oglala Sioux Tribe, (2) Shane Robinson and David Frankel representing multiple individuals and multiple organizations, and (3) Thomas J. Ballanco representing the Oglala Delegation of the Great Sioux Nation Treaty Council.

Federal Register: August 21, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 163) p. 49496-49497 (download full text )

Residents voice opposition to production increase of Crow Butte uranium ISL mine: Crow Butte Resources (CBR), a mining company on the South Dakota and Nebraska border, wants to increase its annual uranium production by 50 percent. To do that, they and their opposition went face to face before the Atomic Licensing Board on July 23, 2008. At the public hearing, dozens of homeowners from Pine Ridge voiced their opposition to CBR's plan to build a uranium mine near Crawford. They say the company's operation near Chadron is destroying natural resources. (KOTA July 23, 2008)

NRC issues Opportunity To Request a Hearing on license renewal request of Crow Butte uranium ISL mine, and Order Imposing Procedures for Access to Sensitive Unclassified Non-Safeguards Information (SUNSI) for Contention Preparation:
A request for a hearing must be filed by July 28, 2008.

Within ten (10) days after publication of this notice of opportunity for hearing any potential party as defined in 10 CFR 2.4 who believes access to SUNSI is necessary for a response to the notice may request access to such information.

Federal Register: May 27, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 102) p. 30426-30430 (download full text )

NRC issues Notice of License Amendment Request of Crow Butte uranium ISL mine, and Opportunity To Request a Hearing:
A request for a hearing must be filed by June 6, 2008.

Federal Register: April 7, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 67) p. 18823-18825 (download full text )

Cameco applies for license renewal of Crow Butte uranium ISL mine: By letter dated Nov. 27, 2007, Crow Butte Resources, Inc. applied for the renewal of Source Materials License No. SUA-1534 for the continued operation of the Crow Butte in situ leach uranium mine.
> Download renewal application documents

 

Cameco to increase production from Crow Butte and Smith Ranch-Highland by 70%

On Dec. 4, 2007, Cameco announced that it is targeting to increase the combined production at its Crow Butte and Smith Ranch-Highland in-situ leach operations by 70% to 4.6 million pounds U3O8 [1,769 t U] annually by 2011. The planned production increase requires the restart of the idle Highland uranium recovery plant.

 

Crow Butte Resources receives permission for increased plant throughput at in-situ leach mine

By letter dated Oct. 17, 2006, Crow Butte Resources requested from NRC a license amendment to increase the plant throughput from 5000 to 9000 gallons per minute (gpm). An additional production of 150,000 to 250,000 pounds of U308 [58 to 96 t U] per year is expected.
NRC issued an Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact on Oct. 24, 2007.
> Download Environmental Assessment, Oct. 2007 (ADAMS ML072360287)
> Federal Register: October 31, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 210) p. 61693-61694 (download full text )
NRC issued the requested license amendment on Nov. 30, 2007.

Crow Butte in situ leach uranium mine threatened by wild fire

On July 31, 2006, Crow Butte Resources notified the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission of the wild fires east of Crow Butte Resources Central Processing Plant. The NRC was informed of the possible evacuation of the Crow Butte site should the fires continue to burn out of control.

Crow Butte Resources plans to expand In Situ Leach operations

"Division of Fuel Cycle Safety and Safeguards staff has learned that Crow Butte Resources (CBR) plans to expand its in situ leach (ISL) uranium extraction operations in Nebraska by operating up to four satellite facilities. CBR estimates that it will submit a license amendment application to NRC for the first satellite facility in May 2005, and an application for a second satellite facility is targeted for 2006 - 2007. Depending on economics, applications could be submitted to NRC for license amendments for two additional satellite facilities in the 2007 - 2010 time frame. Although a memorandum of understanding to defer active groundwater regulation at ISLs may be executed with the State of Nebraska before the first license amendment is submitted in 2005, NRC must prepare environmental assessments for each application." (U.S. NRC SECY-04-0131 WEEKLY INFORMATION REPORT - WEEK ENDING JULY 16, 2004)

NRC denies Wellfield Unit 1 groundwater restoration approval

By letter dated March 29, 2002, NRC, in a rare move, denied approval for the groundwater restoration at Wellfield Unit 1 of the Crow Butte in-situ leach facility.
"Staff's analysis indicates that concentrations of ammonium, iron, radium-226, selenium, total dissolved solids, and uranium show strongly increasing concentration trends over the stability monitoring period. These trends indicate a reasonable likelihood that license limits would be exceeded in the near future."
> See also Federal Register: April 22, 2002 (Volume 67, Number 77) p. 19598

Cameco writes down Crow Butte ISL property

On Nov. 7, 2000, Cameco announced the writedown of the Crow Butte ISL property. Cameco plans to continue to produce 800,000 pounds U3O8 (308 t U) per year.

Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality is proposing relaxed limitations for Crow Butte ISL deep injection well

"The Department is proposing to modify the existing permit by removing the injection limitations on flow rate. The limitation for pH is proposed to be changed from 5.0 - 8.5 to 5.0 - 9.5. Reporting for the temperature of the waste stream is proposed to be removed. The limitations for arsenic, barium, and selenium are proposed to be changed from 1 mg/l to 5 mg/l, 20 mg/l to 100 mg/l, and 2 mg/l to 1 mg/l, respectively. Testing for calcium is proposed to be added to the injection parameters with no injection limitation. Testing for cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury, and silver is proposed to be added with limitations of 1 mg/l, 5 mg/l, 5 mg/l, 0.2 mg/l, and 5 mg/l respectively." [...]

Comments or a request for a public hearing must be submitted by writing to Michael J. Linder, Director, Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality , P.O. Box 98922, Lincoln, Nebraska 68509-8922, prior to October 13, 2000.

License renewal for Crow Butte ISL uranium mine (Nebraska)

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission has issued a Finding of No Significant Impact for the proposed license renewal of the Crow Butte in-situ leach uranium mine in Nebraska.
Any person whose interest may be affected by this proceeding may file a request for a hearing within 30 days from February 23, 1998.
> See notice in Federal Register, February 23, 1998 (Vol. 63, No. 35), p. 9023-9024 (download full notice ).

 

Three Crow Expansion project of Crow Butte uranium in situ leach mine

> View License Application (NRC)

On Mar. 19, 2019, Cameco Resources requested from NRC that the Three Crow license amendment application be removed from consideration.

On Oct. 11, 2012, Cameco Resources requested that NRC restart the application process for the Three Crow Expansion Area. Cameco has decided not to pursue the pipeline option at this time.

On Apr. 14, 2011, Cameco Resources requested the NRC suspend review of the Three Crow Expansion Area application so that the option of a pipeline to carry mine fluids directly to the main plant could be evaluated.

On Aug. 3, 2010, Crow Butte Resources, Inc. (CBR) submitted a request for an amendment to Source Materials License SUA-1534 for the development of additional uranium in-situ leach mining resources. The proposed development area is referred to as the Three Crow Expansion Area and will be used as a satellite facility to the main CBR plant.
> Download submitted documents (ADAMS Acc. No. ML102230009)

On July 12, 2010, the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality received a Class III Injection Well Application and the corresponding Petition for Aquifer Exemption for Crow Butte Resources, Inc., Three Crow Expansion Area. (ADAMS Acc. No. ML102210326 ).

On March 4, 2009, Cameco submitted to NRC a revised notice of intent to request additional amendments to Source Materials License SUA-1534 for the development of additional uranium in-situ leach mining resources. The proposed development area for use as a satellite facility to the main Crow Butte plant is referred to as the Three Crow Expansion Area. It is Cameco's intent to submit a license amendment application, for this expansion area, during the first quarter of 2010.

 

Marsland Expansion project of Crow Butte uranium in situ leach mine

> View NRC: Marsland Application

 

NRC denies Oglala Sioux Tribe's petition for review re Marsland Expansion of Crow Butte uranium in situ leach mine:
> Download: Memorandum and Order CLI-20-01 , Apr. 13, 2020 (PDF)

NRC panel to hold hearing on Marsland Expansion of Crow Butte uranium in situ leach mine: The Atomic Safety and Licensing Board hereby gives notice that it will convene an evidentiary hearing to receive testimony and exhibits in this proceeding regarding intervenor Oglala Sioux Tribe's (OST) challenge to the May 2012 application of Crow Butte Resources, Inc., (CBR) seeking to amend the existing 10 CFR part 40 source materials license for its Crow Butte in situ uranium recovery (ISR) site to authorize CBR to operate a satellite ISR facility within the Marsland Expansion Area (MEA) in Dawes County, Nebraska. The evidentiary hearing will concern OST's admitted Contention 2, which raises hydrogeological- related environmental and safety matters regarding the proposed license amendment. In addition, the Board gives notice that, in accordance with 10 CFR 2.315(a) and the procedures specified below, it will entertain oral, written, and audio-recorded limited appearance statements from members of the public in connection with the issues raised by Contention 2.
To be considered timely, a written request to make an oral statement must either be mailed, faxed, or sent by email so as to be received by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on Monday, October 12, 2018 [ehm, well, Oct. 12, 2018, is a Friday, at least in Europe...].
> Federal Register Volume 83, Number 149 (Thursday, August 2, 2018) p. 37828-37830 (download full text )
> Federal Register Volume 83, Number 188 (Thursday, September 27, 2018) p. 48874-48875 (download full text ) [this corrects a fax number given, but leaves the date discrepancy unresolved...]
> Download NRC news release Aug. 15, 2018 (PDF)

NRC releases final Environmental Assessment for Marsland Expansion of Crow Butte uranium in situ leach mine: On Apr. 30, 2018, NRC released the Environmental Assessment for the Marsland Expansion of the Crow Butte uranium in situ leach mine.
> Federal Register Volume 83, Number 86 (Thursday, May 3, 2018) p. 19576-19577 (download full text )
> Download Enviromental Assessment (36MB PDF)
> Access Docket ID NRC-2012-0281

NRC determines that Marsland Expansion project of Cameco's Crow Butte uranium in situ leach mine would have no adverse impact on federally listed species: "[...] the NRC staff finds that all potential impacts on the northern long-eared bat and whooping crane resulting from the proposed action would be insignificant or discountable. Therefore, the NRC staff concludes that the proposed action may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect these species. The NRC staff finds that the red knot and black-footed ferret do not occur in the action area, and therefore, the proposed action would have no effect on these species."
> Download: Biological Evaluation of Impacts to Northern Long-Eared Bat, Whooping Crane, Red Knot, and Black-Footed Ferret, Marsland Expansion Area In Situ Uranium Recovery , March 2018 (41.7MB PDF)

NRC releases Safety Evaluation Report for Marsland Expansion of Crow Butte uranium in situ leach mine:
> Download: Safety Evaluation Report License Amendment for the Crow Butte Resources Marsland Expansion Area In-Situ Recovery Project Dawes County, Nebraska , Jan. 2018 (762kB PDF)

NRC releases Draft Environmental Assessment in favour of Marsland Expansion of Crow Butte uranium in situ leach mine: On Dec. 8, 2017, NRC released a Draft Environmental Assessment and Draft Finding of No Significant Impact on the Marsland Expansion of the Crow Butte uranium in situ leach mine: "[...] the NRC staff has preliminarily determined that amendment of SUA-1534, which would authorize the development of additional ISR operations at the MEA, would not significantly affect the quality of the human environment. Therefore, based on this preliminary assessment, an environmental impact statement (EIS) is not warranted, and, [...] a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) is appropriate."
Submit comments by January 29, 2018.
> Download NRC news release Dec. 18, 2017 (212k PDF)
> Federal Register Volume 82, Number 240 (Friday, December 15, 2017) p. 59665-59666 (download full text )
> Download Draft Environmental Assessment for the Marsland Expansion Area License Amendment Application (3.5MB PDF)
> Access Docket ID NRC-2012-0281

On Dec. 7, 2017, NRC released a compiled Environmental Report for the Marsland Expansion of the Crow Butte uranium in situ leach mine:
> Download compiled Environmental Report

On Sep. 11, 2017, NRC released a revised Environmental Report for the Marsland Expansion of the Crow Butte uranium in situ leach mine:
> Download revised Environmental Report

On May 16, 2017, NRC released a revised Environmental Report for the Marsland Expansion of the Crow Butte uranium in situ leach mine:
> Download revised Environmental Report

On Jan. 31, 2014, NRC released Cameco's response to the RAIs dated March 22, 2013 on the Marsland Expansion Area Environmental Report:
> Download Marsland Expansion Area Environmental RAI

On Jan. 24, 2014, NRC released Cameco's response to the RAIs dated July 3, 2013 on the Marsland Expansion Area Technical Report:
> Download: Vol. 1 · Vol. 2

On Sep. 6, 2013, NRC released Environmental Report revisions for the Marsland Expansion of the Crow Butte uranium in situ leach mine:
> Download Environmental Report revisions

On Aug. 21, 2013, NRC released Technical Report revisions for the Marsland Expansion of the Crow Butte uranium in situ leach mine:
> Download Marsland Technical Report revisions

On May 10, 2013, the Atomic Safety and Licensing Board granted the hearing request of the Oglala Sioux Tribe and admitted it as a party to the proceeding.

On April 19, 2013, Cameco submitted to Nebraska DEQ an application for an Area Permit to install and operate Class I Nonhazardous Waste Injection Wells at the company's Marsland Expansion Area. "The purpose of the injection wells is to dispose of well field bleed water and a small volume of process water from ISR mining operations and wastewater generated by groundwater restoration activities."
> Download Class I Nonhazardous Waste Injection Wells Area Permit Application
> Download revised Class I Nonhazardous Waste Injection Wells Area Permit Application, Sep. 23, 2014 (NMED)

On Feb. 6, 2013, NRC gave notice that an Atomic Safety and Licensing Board (Board) is being established to preside over the following proceeding: Crow Butte Resources, Inc. (Marsland Expansion Area). Hearing requests were filed by the Oglala Sioux Tribe and a consolidated group of petitioners.
> Federal Register Volume 78, Number 29 (Tuesday, February 12, 2013) (download full text )

NRC announces opportunity to request a hearing and to petition for leave to intervene concerning Marsland Expansion project of Crow Butte uranium in situ leach mine:
Requests for a hearing or leave to intervene must be filed by January 29, 2013.
> Federal Register Volume 77, Number 231 (Friday, November 30, 2012) p. 71454-71458 (download full text )
> Access Docket ID NRC-2012-0281
> Download Technical and Environmental Report · more

On May 16, 2012, Cameco submitted the license amendment application for the Marsland Expansion. On June 14, 2012, first portions of the Technical Report and the Environmental Report appeared in NRC's ADAMS Document system.

On Oct. 27, 2010, Crow Butte Resources, Inc. advised that submission of the Marsland license amendment application is anticipated during the third quarter of 2011.

On March 4, 2009, Cameco submitted to NRC a revised notice of intent to request additional amendments to Source Materials License SUA-1534 for the development of additional uranium in-situ leach mining resources. The proposed development area for use as a satellite facility to the main Crow Butte plant is referred to as the Marsland Expansion Area. It is Cameco's intent to submit a license amendment application, for this expansion area, during the third quarter of 2012.

 

North Trend Expansion project of Crow Butte uranium in situ leach mine

> View License Application (NRC)

Hearing to be held on withdrawn license application for North Trend Expansion Area of Crow Butte uranium in situ leach mine [?!]: "[...] a hearing is being conducted in this license amendment proceeding." (ASLBP Dec. 20, 2023)
> Federal Register Volume 88, Number 246 (Tuesday, December 26, 2023) p. 88989 (download full text )

Cameco withdraws North Trend Expansion Area license application for Crow Butte uranium in situ leach mine: On Dec. 18, 2023, Cameco withdrew the North Trend Expansion Area license application. (ML23352A130 )

Cameco suspends North Trend Expansion Area license application for Crow Butte uranium in situ leach mine: On Dec. 16, 2015, Cameco asked NRC to discontinue work on the North Trend Expansion Area license application and rather prioritize the Marsland Expansion Area application.

On July 26, 2013, NRC released the Safety Evaluation Report for the North Trend Expansion Area of the Crow Butte uranium in situ leach mine.
> Download: Safety Evaluation Report License Amendment for the Crow Butte Resources North Trend Expansion Area ISR Facility Dawes County, Nebraska , U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, July 2013

On Aug. 11, 2011, the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality issued the permit for the construction and operation of the North Trend Expansion Area of the Crow Butte uranium in situ leach mine.

Opposition to aquifer exemption for North Trend expansion of Crow Butte uranium in situ leach mine: Uncertainties regarding the presence of faults and factures in the land underlying northwest Nebraska are a major reason that the Crow Butte Resources uranium mine should not receive an 'aquifer exemption' for its proposed North Trend expansion project, opponents of the mine said Monday (Aug. 23).
Making a decision now to allow use of the estimated 1.85 billion gallons [7 million cubic metres] of water in the lower portions of the Chadron formation under the expansion area would be premature, countered David Frankel, an attorney representing mine opponents in hearings before the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Detailed research by Chadron geologist Hannan LaGarry indicates that faults and fractures common in the area could link the Chadron aquifer to other water bearing layers, including the Brule and Arikaree, which are used for drinking water, he said. (Rapid City Journal Aug. 25, 2010)

The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality has scheduled a public hearing regarding a proposal to exempt a portion of the Chadron Aquifer north of Crawford. This portion of the aquifer is associated with a proposed expansion area for the Crow Butte Resources (CBR) uranium mining facility. The proposed exemption would prevent that designated area of the aquifer from being used as a drinking water source in the future. The public hearing is scheduled for Monday, August 23, 2010.
> View Nebraska DEQ Crow Butte Resources news page

On January 6, 2010, Crow Butte Resources submitted to the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ) a revised version of its application for a Class III Underground Injection Control (UIC) Permit for the North Trend Expansion project of its Crow Butte uranium in situ leach mine.
> Download revised application documents (ADAMS Acc. No. ML100432281)

The ownership of the Crow Butte Resources uranium mine near Crawford by a Canadian mining company is a legitimate issue for argument in deciding whether the mine should be allowed to expand its operation to a nearby site, a three-member panel of Nuclear Regulatory Commission judges has ruled. In a decision issued Jan. 27, 2009, the NRC judges also said that questions of the impact of low levels of arsenic in water returned to aquifers during mining operations, the relationship between arsenic exposure and diabetes and information about an alleged cluster of pancreatic cancer in the Chadron area can also be raised during hearings on the mine's proposed North Trend expansion. (The Chadron News Feb. 10, 2009)
> Download Memorandum and Order LBP-09-01 Jan. 27, 2009 (ADAMS Acc. No. ML090270965 )

On April 29, 2008, an NRC Atomic Safety and Licensing Board Panel (ASLBP) ordered as follows:
"In this Memorandum and Order, in addition to ruling on three pending matters on which the participants are in dispute, we find that Petitioners WNRC, Owe Aku, and Debra L. White Plume have shown standing to participate in the proceeding, and admit three of their joint contentions, in modified form. The first two of these concern alleged contamination of water resources and potential resulting environmental and health issues; the third concerns the extent of consultation that is required with tribal leaders regarding a prehistoric Indian camp located in the region of the proposed expansion site, under the National Historic Preservation Act."
> Download Memorandum and Order LBP-08-06, April 29, 2008 (ADAMS Acc. No. ML081200636 )
> Download Revised Memorandum and Order LBP-08-06, May 21, 2008 (ADAMS Acc. No. ML081430342 )

On November 12, 2007, seven Petitioners from parts of the poorest region in the United States asked the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to participate in decisions relative to uranium mining and its harmful effects in northwestern Nebraska and the Lakota (Sioux) Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in Southwest South Dakota. According to NRC sources, this is the first request to intervene in an NRC proceeding relating to the expansion of an existing uranium mining operation in approximately 17 years. The petitioners are Thomas Cook, Chadron Native American Center, Slim Buttes Agricultural Development Corp., High Plains Community Development Corp., Western Nebraska Resources Council, Debra White Plume, and an Oglala Lakota nonprofit organization called Owe Aku. (UN Observer Dec. 7, 2007)

On Nov. 8, 2007, the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality dismissed CBR's petition for aquifer exemption, due to deficiences identified in CBR's Technical Review of Aquifer Exemption Petition dated August 15, 2007.

On May 30, 2007, Crow Butte Resources, Inc. (CBR) submitted a request for an amendment to Source Materials License SUA-1534 for the development of additional uranium in-situ leach mining resources. The proposed development area for use as a satellite facility to the existing main plant is referred to as the North Trend Expansion Area.
> Download application documents (ADAMS Acc. No. ML072540671)

 

License Violations and reportable events at Crow Butte ISL uranium mine (Nebraska)

(details on post-Nov.1,1999, events available through ADAMS , Docket No. )


New Mexico


> See also Issues for: New Mining Projects · Decommissioning Projects · Legislation & Regulations
> See also Data for: Deposits, Proposed and Active Mines · Old Mines and Decommissioning

Mt. Taylor mine, Cibola County

Mine Permit No. CI002RE

> View deposit info
> View Pending Mine Applications, Regular Existing: Mount Taylor Mine (NM EMNRD)

> View more recent issues

Company abandons plan for reactivation of Mt. Taylor uranium mine: In a stunning victory for Native communities, Rio Grande Resources (RGR), owner of the Mt. Taylor uranium mine, notified the Mining and Minerals Division (MMD) of the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department of "cessation of mining operations" and RGR's intention "to begin closure plan activity."
RGR had been granted Return to Active status under their permit Dec. 29, 2017. The mine had been in Standby status since 1999.
MASE and Amigos Bravos appealed the permit revision. After hearings May 5, 2018, the Mining Commission issued their Final Order Aug 1, 2018, upholding the Return to Active status. The two organizations then appealed that ruling to the First Judicial District Court in Santa Fe; when that court upheld the Mining Commission decision, the groups appealed to the State Court of Appeals, where the case is currently located.
According to RGR, "From initiation of the closeout contracting process to completion of the closeout activities on site is estimated to take about 16 months. The first 5-6 months would be taken up by project management and contractor procurement, followed by 9-10 months of actual construction activities on site from mobilization through demobilization." (Los Alamos Daily Post Jan. 4, 2020)

New Mexico Mining Commission holds meeting and hearing on petition against permit for reactivation of Mt. Taylor uranium mine - petition denied: The New Mexico Mining Commission will hold a regular meeting and a public hearing at 9:00 AM, Monday, May 7, 2018 (and Tuesday, May 8, if necessary). During the meeting, the Mining Commission will conduct a public hearing on Petition 18-01 - In the Matter of the Petition for Review of the Director's Action, dated December 29, 2017, Permit Revision 13-2 to Permit No. CI002RE, filed by The Multicultural Alliance for a Safe Environment and Amigos Bravos on February 28, 2018. Petitioners request a review of the Mining and Minerals Division Director's decision to grant Rio Grande Resources' application for a permit revision allowing the Mt. Taylor Mine to return to "active" or "operational" status.
Intervenors and interested participants desiring to present evidence shall submit a written notice of intent to do so to the Commission not later than 5:00 PM, Friday, April 27, 2018.
> Access: Mining Commission - Meetings and Hearings
> Download: Notice of Public Meeting and Hearing of the New Mexico Mining Commission , Mar. 27, 2018 (41kB PDF)
> Download: Petition , Feb. 28, 2018 (3.5MB PDF)

On July 27, 2018, the New Mexico Mining Commission denied the petition.
> Download: Final Decision and Order (826kB PDF)

The Gallup Independent reports the Multicultural Alliance for a Safe Environment and Amigos Bravos have asked the New Mexico Court of Appeals to review a lower court ruling that upheld the New Mexico Mining Commission's decision to permit the Mount Taylor Mine to return to active status. (AP Sep. 4, 2019)

Environmental groups fight against state permit for reactivation of Mt. Taylor uranium mine: Environmentalists are seeking to keep an idle uranium mine in western New Mexico from becoming active again, saying the designation will allow it to delay cleanup.
The Multicultural Alliance for a Safe Environment and Amigos Bravos are asking the New Mexico Mining Commission to review a recent decision by state Mining and Minerals Division Director Fernando Martinez to allow the Mount Taylor mine to return to "active," or operational, status, the Gallup Independent reports.
The groups say there is no realistic likelihood that mining will take place for the foreseeable future. "The director's decision directly contradicts the New Mexico Mining Act's plain language, which restricts 'operational' mines to those that are producing minerals," said Eric Jantz, staff attorney at the New Mexico Environmental Law Center, which is representing the groups. "The director has unilaterally created an entirely new category of mine activity - 'zombie mines' - that have been given new life in an effort to avoid cleanup."
The Mount Taylor Mine has been on standby status for more than 20 years. Its owner, Rio Grande Resources, announced in 2014 that it planned to ask regulators to change the status to active. (Albuquerque Journal Mar. 19, 2018)

State issues permit for reactivation of Mt. Taylor uranium mine: On Nov. 22, 2017, Rio Grande Resources notified NRC that the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) issued a mine active permit the same day, and that the company plans to submit the application for a uranium mill in the fourth quarter of 2022.

State announces hearing on proposed reactivation of Mt. Taylor uranium mine after 25 years of inactivity: The New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department, Mining and Minerals Division ("MMD") hereby gives notice of a public hearing on the application by Rio Grande Resources Corporation, the operator of the Mount Taylor Mine, for changing the status of the mine from standby to active, and update the closeout plan and required amount of financial assurance under Revision Application 13-2.
The public hearing is scheduled for Friday, December 4, 2015 at 10:00 AM.
Submit comments by January 4, 2016 (Comment period extended).
> Download Public Hearing Notice , Oct. 22, 2015 (PDF - MMD)
> Download Revision 13-2 related documents (MMD)

Discharge Permit renewal and modification for Mt. Taylor uranium mine: The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) issued a draft Discharge Permit renewal and modification (Discharge Permit) to Rio Grande Resources Corporation for the Mt. Taylor uranium mine.
Submit written comments or request public hearing within 30 days from June 27, 2014.
> Download: Public Notice (PDF - NMED)
> Download: DRAFT Discharge Permit DP-61 Renewal and Modification (655k PDF - NMED)

Court orders new hearing in Mt. Taylor uranium mine permit: In a hearing this morning, state District Court Judge Raymond Ortiz handed a victory to community groups in a case concerning Rio Grande Resources' Mount Taylor uranium mine near Grants. In a ruling from the bench, he agreed that the New Mexico Mining and Minerals Division (MMD) failed to provide the public with meaningful opportunities to participate in the process to renew the mine’s standby mining permit.
He focused on three issues:

(NMELC July 22, 2013)

Group seeks public hearing over proposed reactivation of Mt. Taylor uranium mine after 23 years of inactivity: Today, the New Mexico Environmental Law Center (NMELC) filed a request for a public hearing regarding a proposed permit revision to put the Mt. Taylor uranium mine on active status. The mine, near Grants, NM, has been inactive (on "standby" status) without cleanup for 23 years. The mine's owner, Rio Grande Resources, received a fourth renewal for the standby permit in January 2012, but on April 12, 2013 it notified the public it was seeking a revision to change the mine's status to "active". The NMELC filed the hearing request on behalf of its clients, Amigos Bravos and the Multicultural Alliance for a Safe Environment (MASE). (NMELC May 10, 2013)

Mine agency to take input on renewal of standby permit requested for Mount Taylor uranium mine: The New Mexico Mining and Minerals Division has set a public hearing for Rio Grande Resources Corporation's application to renew "Standby Status" for its Mount Taylor Mine on Wednesday, Aug. 17, at 5 p.m. in the Cibola County Convention Center.
A standby permit allows the mine operator to let the mine remain inactive without having to do any clean up. The permit lasts for five years. The Mount Taylor mine is located one mile northeast of San Mateo. The mine is an existing underground uranium mine that extracted uranium ore from depths of more than 3,000 feet below ground surface using room-and-pillar and stope mining methods. Uranium ore was produced from the mine from 1979 to 1982 and from 1985 to 1990. The mine has been inactive since January 1990. A copy of Rio Grande Resources' application for the renewal of Standby Status is available at the Mother Whiteside Memorial Library and in Santa Fe at the Mining and Minerals Division's office. These documents are also available for viewing on the MMD website . (Cibola Beacon Aug. 15, 2011)

Rio Grande Resources Corporation (RGR) submitted a Standby Status Renewal Application for its Mt. Taylor Mine. The mine is an existing uranium mining operation using underground mining techniques to extract uranium ore from depths of over 3000 feet below ground surface using room-and-pillar and stope mining methods. There are no milling facilities within the proposed Standby area. The Mine has been inactive since January 1990 until the present.
> View Standby Status Application (NM EMNRD)

A groundwater discharge permit is being sought for Mount Taylor Uranium Mine and Mill owned by Rio Grande Resources, according to the New Mexico Environment Department . Gerald Schoeppner of NMED's Groundwater Quality Bureau said Wednesday that the company has an existing discharge plan for its mine that it's trying to renew, "but that's one of the pieces of the puzzle that's missing - how they're planning to treat their mine water for the dewatering to meet standards."
The Mount Taylor mine previously was a conventional mining operation "and they plan to operate it as a conventional mine in the future," Schoeppner said. The mine site is located just outside the 8,000 foot elevation boundary established in the June 2008 emergency designation of Mount Taylor as a Traditional Cultural Property.
Rio Grande Resources controls uranium operations and mineral resources acquired by General Atomics from Chevron Resources in 1991. The Mount Taylor project, a conventional underground mine, contains the largest uranium resource in the United States and is currently on standby, according to the company's Web site. Chevron began commercial production at Mount Taylor in 1986, initially shipping the ore to its Panna Maria mill in south Texas for processing. The mine was placed on standby in 1989. (Gallup Independent Feb. 19, 2009)
> Download NMED Public Notice Feb. 13, 2009 (PDF)

> See also: Cotter aims to reopen Cañon City (Colorado) uranium mill in 2014 to process ores from Mt Taylor mine (New Mexico)


Texas


> See also Issues for: New Mining Projects · Decommissioning Projects · Legislation & Regulations
> See also Data for: Deposits, Proposed and Active Mines · Old Mines and Decommissioning

Uranium mining in South Texas is opposed by South Texas Opposes Pollution (STOP) .

Alta Mesa ISL, Brooks County

> View deposit details

Uranium production resumes at Alta Mesa in situ leach mine

On June 13, 2024, enCore Energy Corp. announced the successful startup of production at the Alta Mesa Uranium Central Processing Plant and Wellfield.

Uranium production at Alta Mesa in situ leach mine to be resumed in 2024

On Mar. 15, 2023, enCore Energy Corp. announced that it has made a formal production decision for the resumption of uranium production from the Alta Mesa Processing Plant in early 2024. Alta Mesa will be enCore's second producing location following resumption of uranium production at the South Texas Rosita Uranium Processing Plant scheduled for 2023.

TCEQ amends and renews permits for deep disposal wells at Alta Mesa in situ leach uranium mine

> Download: Permit No. WDW365 (major amendment), WDW366 (renewal) , March 11, 2022 (329kB - TCEQ)

TCEQ approves groundwater restoration performed at Production Area 1 of Alta Mesa in situ leach uranium mine

On Mar 29, 2018, Energy Fuels Inc. announced that it has achieved a major environmental milestone at its Alta Mesa Uranium Project in Texas. On March 16, 2018, the Company received a notice from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality ("TCEQ") confirming that the Company accomplished final groundwater restoration at Production Area 1 ("PAA1"). Now that TCEQ has deemed wellfield restoration complete, the Company can proceed to well plugging and final closure of PAA1, including a reduction of the reclamation bond on the project and the return of restricted cash.

"Unplanned" fire at Alta Mesa in situ leach uranium mine

"A fire occurred within the Mestena Uranium LLC License Area in the vicinity of PAA-3 on August 9, 2016. The fire was discovered at approximately 1545 CDT by US Border Patrol agents who were conducting activities in the vicinity. Mestena personnel discovered the fire at about the same and upon investigation determined the fire required additional support at which time the local fire department was notified and arrived on site at approximately 1620 CDT to battle the fire.
Fire crews declared the fire out/controlled by 2000 [CDT]. No injuries occurred during the firefighting activities. [...]
The fire burned approximately 60 acres, most of which was within the PAA-3 Mine Area. The fire damaged or destroyed surface infrastructure associated with the in-situ mining activities permitted under UIC permit UR03060PA3. [...]"
(Event Notification Report for August 19, 2016 , U.S. NRC)

Mesteña Uranium LLC cited for well plugging deficiencies at exploration wells

On Nov. 23, 2010, the Railroad Commission (RRC) of Texas sent a Deficiency Letter to Mesteña Uranium LLC regarding a Well Plugging Affidavit for Uranium Exploration Permit 125B-1. (Texas RRC Nov. 29, 2010)

TCEQ issues Agreed Order over penalty of $2,000 to Mesteña Uranium LLC

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: Enforcement Orders:
An agreed order was entered regarding Mesteña Uranium, L.L.C., Docket No. 2007-1010-UIC-E on December 20, 2007 assessing $2,000 in administrative penalties with $400 deferred. (Texas Register, January 18, 2008, Volume 33 Number 3, Pages 449-634, In Addition)

TCEQ issues Agreed Order over penalty of $2,000 to Mesteña Uranium LLC

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality issues Agreed Order over penalty of $2,000 to Mesteña Uranium LLC for failing to secure acceptable financial assurance. (Texas Register, September 21, 2007, Volume 32 Number 38, Pages 6451-6688, In Addition)

> See older issues


Hobson In Situ Leach mine, Karnes County (Texas)

NRC Docket No.

> View deposit details

> View decommissioning issues

 

License renewal for Hobson In Situ Leach processing plant at four-fold capacity

On Nov. 17, 2022, Uranium Energy Corp announced that the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality ("TCEQ") has approved the company's submission for a renewed and expanded radioactive material license ("RML") for its Hobson Central Processing Plant.
UEC's amended RML from the TCEQ increases the Hobson Processing Plant's licensed production capacity to 4 million pounds of U3O8 [1,538 t U] annually.

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality proposes Agreed Order imposing $11,581 penalty on multiple violations at Hobson uranium in situ leach mine

COMPANY: South Texas Mining Venture L.L.P. dba Hobson Mining Project; [...]
RULES VIOLATED: 30 TAC §305.125(1) and §331.67(a)(1)(B), 40 Code of Federal Regulations §146.67(f), and Underground Injection Control (UIC) Permit Number Waste Disposal Well (WDW) 168, Permit Provision (PP) IX. Recordkeeping Requirements, by failing to keep complete and accurate records of all monitoring according to permit requirements; 30 TAC §331.4 and §331.64(d)(4)(A) and UIC Permit Number WDW168, PP VII.F, Operating Parameters, by failing to cease injection of waste fluids when monitoring indicates a loss of mechanical integrity has been detected; and 30 TAC §331.64(g) and UIC Permit Number WDW168, PP VIII.H, Monitoring and Testing Requirements, by failing to conduct corrosion monitoring of well materials on a quarterly basis;
PENALTY: $11,581; [..., emphasis added]
Submit comments by May 4, 2020.
> View: Texas Register, April 3, 2020, Volume 45, Number 14, In Addition: Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Agreed Orders

Hobson plant starts processing of uranium-loaded resins from Palangana in situ leach mine

On Dec. 1, 2010, Uranium Energy Corp announced that it has started the processing of the first shipment of uranium-loaded resins at its Hobson processing plant. This shipment and the start of processing follows the Company's announcement on November 17, 2010 of the initial in-situ recovery (ISR) of uranium at Palangana in South Texas.

> See also Palangana ISL mine

TCEQ invites public comment or request for public meeting about proposed license transfer for Hobson, Tex-1, and Mt Lucas mines

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) invites public comment or request for public meeting about the proposed license transfer for the Hobson, Tex-1, and Mt. Lucas mines from Everest Exploration to South Texas Mining Venture L.L.P.
All written public comments and requests must be submitted within 30 days from the date of newspaper publication of this notice.

> View TCEQ notice: Texas Register, May 28, 2010, Volume 35 Number 22, Pages 4275-4526, In-addition
> View TCEQ notice: Texas Register, June 4, 2010, Volume 35 Number 23, Pages 4527-4766, In-addition

License renewal for Hobson In Situ Leach processing plant (Texas)

On December 22, 2006, Everest Exploration, Inc. submitted on behalf of South Texas Mining Venture, LLP, an application for renewal of the Hobson Facility Radioactive Material Handling License to the Texas Department of State Health Services. This renewal application allows the Hobson Facility to continue operations as a uranium processing facility and provides the regulatory authorities with necessary information concerning the company's plans to increase the facility's processing capacity to over 1,000,000 pounds of U3O8 (385 t U) per year. (Energy Metals Corporation April 4, 2007)

License Renewal for Everest Exploration Hobson In Situ Leach mine (Texas)

"Everest Exploration for renewal of an Underground Injection Control (UIC) Well, Permit No. WDW-168. The Executive Director has prepared a draft permit.
The applicant currently operates an in-situ uranium mine. Wastes generated on-site are non-hazardous. The injected wastes include: barren solution bleed, restoration waste stream, process waste streams, and tailings or wastes produced by or resulting from the extraction or concentration of uranium, other associated wastes such as ground water and rainfall contaminated by the above authorized wastes, spills of the above authorized wastes, and wash waters and solutions used in cleaning and servicing the waste disposal well system equipment which are compatible with the permitted waste streams, reservoir and well materials. WDW-168 was initially put in service in 1979. The facility is located 0.5 mile southwest of Hobson on Farm-Market Road 81, Karnes County, Texas.
SIGNED MAY 7, 1999" (TNRCC Items Signed by Executive Director 7 May 1999 )


Palangana in-situ leach mine, Duval County (Texas)

> View deposit info

Palangana uranium in situ leach mine obtains state authorization for operation of fourth Production Area: On May 27, 2015, Uranium Energy Corp announced that the Palangana ISR Mine has received the required permits, and is now fully permitted for extraction in new resource areas with a larger Mine Permit and Aquifer Exemption. The expanded mine area boundary is now 8,722 acres versus 6,200 acres previously and includes Production Area-4.

Production of Palangana in situ leach mine reduced in response to low uranium prices: Uranium Energy Corp. is cutting production as prices trade at a seven-year low. Uranium Energy will reduce output at its Palangana mine so the project just breaks even, the Vancouver-based company said in a statement today. The savings will be used to develop the company's larger Goliad and Burke Hollow projects. (Business Week Sep. 5, 2013)

Palangana uranium in situ leach mine obtains state authorization for operation of third Production Area: On Dec. 7, 2012, Uranium Energy Corp announced the receipt of a Production Area Authorization from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, allowing for the commencement of operations at Production Area-3 of the Company's Palangana Mine located in South Texas. With wellfields and well control facilities in place already, operations at Production Area-3 has commenced while operations at Production Areas 1 and 2 are ongoing.

> View older issues


Vasquez in-situ leach mine, Duval County (Texas)

> View deposit details
> See more recent issues

TCEQ approves license renewal for Vasquez in situ leach processing plant

On Nov. 6, 2023, enCore Energy Corp. announced the approval of the renewal of the Radioactive Materials License for enCore's In-Situ Recovery Uranium Central Processing Plant at its Vasquez uranium project.

Vasquez ISL mine shut down

During the fourth quarter of 2008, URI shut down the last wellfield at Vasquez. (URI March 11, 2009)

Vasquez ISL mine production below expectations

"Production costs for the third quarter of 2006 were $56.92 per pound compared with $23.57 per pound in the prior year's third quarter. The higher production costs were primarily due to higher capital and operating costs compared with the prior year and also due to the change in the estimated recovery factor of for the Vasquez project from 70% to 50%."
"The Vasquez project has provided significant technical challenges since its inception in 2004 due to the unique geochemical composition of its ore body and the degree of re-reduction found in the uranium deposited within the formation. When uranium has been "re-reduced" it has in nature been oxidized, reduced and then subjected to additional reductants which results in the uranium being less accepting of oxidation for extraction. These factors have contributed to our production costs at Vasquez rising from $20.32 per pound in 2005 to over $46.00 per pound in 2006."
"Our third quarter production consisted of 26,074 pounds [10 t U] from our Vasquez project [...]. Last year's third quarter production of 65,797 pounds [25.3 t U] was produced completely from the Vasquez project. As discussed, given the challenges at this property, its level of production has measurably declined and was below expectations." (URI Nov. 14, 2006)

"[...] Vasquez has continued to operate below expectations. At the beginning of the project in 2004, our mining plan indicated we could produce the Vasquez property at an annual rate of 700,000 pounds [269 t U]. The geological and chemical problems we experienced in 2005 caused us to revise that estimate downward to an annual capacity of 400,000 pounds [154 t U]. [...]" (URI Sep. 19, 2006)

> See older issues


Kingsville Dome and Rosita in-situ leach mines, Kleberg County (Texas)

> View deposit data: Kingsville Dome · Rosita

> View decommissioning issues Kingsville Dome

Production restarts at Rosita in situ leach uranium mine

On Nov. 30, 2023, enCore Energy Corp. announced the successful startup of uranium production from the South Texas Rosita ISR Uranium Central Processing Plant. The wellfield production patterns are operating, oxygenated water is now circulating through the satellite ion exchange facility and being injected back into the uranium ore body.

On March 5, 2024, enCore Energy Corp. announced the first shipment of uranium from the Rosita Central Processing Plant to be followed by the first sales delivery.

TCEQ approves license renewal for Rosita and Kingsville Dome in situ leach processing plants

On Nov. 6, 2023, enCore Energy Corp. announced the approval of the renewal of the Radioactive Materials License for enCore's In-Situ Recovery Uranium Central Processing Plants at its Rosita and Kingsville Dome uranium projects.

Commissioning starts for refurbished Central Processing Plant at Rosita in situ leach uranium mine

On Nov. 1, 2022, enCore Energy Corp. announced the full completion of refurbishment of its 100% owned Rosita Central Uranium Processing Plant, a licensed, past producing In-Situ Recovery (ISR) uranium plant located approximately 60 miles from Corpus Christi, Texas.
The plant will be undergoing wet commissioning during the remainder of 2022 to be ready for operations in 2023. The Rosita Plant is designed to process uranium feed from multiple satellite operations, all located in the South Texas area.

Rosita uranium ISL Central Processing Plant modernization ongoing

The Rosita Central Processing Plant modernization commenced in July 2021 with a projected budget of less than US$1 million. Work activities are now 50% complete, on schedule and on budget. Recent major equipment work includes the yellowcake filter press relocation and installation, completion of the ion exchange resin elution and the yellowcake dryer circuits.
[enCore Energy is] targeting completion of the Rosita upgrades by the end of the second quarter 2022 and wellfield commissioning in the first half of 2023 with projects on schedule and on budget. (enCore Energy Corp. Nov. 23, 2021)

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality grants hearing on proposed license renewal and amendment for deep disposal well at Kingsville Dome uranium in situ leach mine

> Download: TCEQ Marked Agenda April 27, 2018 (PDF - View Item 1)
> Download: Docket No. 2018-0319-WDW

State regulator orders US$ 21,177 penalty with $4,235 deferred for violations in connection with disposal well at Kingsville Dome uranium in situ leach mine

On Dec. 19, 2016, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality filed an agreed order to Uranium Resources, Inc., for six violations noted in connection with an underground injection waste disposal well at its Kingsville Dome uranium in situ leach mine. The violations include in particular "failing to maintain annulus pressure of at least 100 pounds per square inch greater than the injection tubing pressure to prevent leaks from the well into unauthorized zones and to detect well malfunctions", among others. The penalty amounts to US$ 21,177.
> View: Texas Register, December 30, 2016, Volume 41 Number 53, Pages 10487-10720, In Addition

On Apr. 4, 2018, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality adopted an agreed order regarding Uranium Resources, Inc., Docket No. 2016-1222-WDW-E on April 4, 2018, assessing $21,177 in administrative penalties with $4,235 deferred.
> View: Texas Register, April 13, 2018, Volume 43 Number 15, Pages 2205-2314, In Addition
> Download: Docket No. 2016-1222-WDW-E (2.6MB PDF)

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality grants hearing on proposed license renewal and amendment for Kingsville Dome uranium in situ leach mine

On Oct. 7, 2015, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) granted the hearing requests of local residents regarding URI's application for renewal and major amendment of the permit for its Kingsville Dome uranium in situ leach mine.
> Download TCEQ Marked Agenda Oct. 7, 2015 (84k PDF) (see Item 4)
> Download TCEQ Docket No. 2015-1268-UIC (43k PDF file containing download links to actual documents)
The hearing will be held on March 3, 2016, in Kingsville, Texas.
> Download Notice of Hearing , Jan. 26, 2016 (48k PDF)

However, on June 15, 2016, URI requested to withdraw the applications to renew and amend the permit.

> See also: URI lets license for Kingsville Dome uranium in situ leach mine expire

Elevated uranium concentrations found in off-site domestic well near Kingsville Dome in situ leach uranium mine

"[...] The bleed at PA-3 [production area three] did not contain the increased pressures caused by injection of leaching fluids. A hydraulic gradient was rapidly established between the injection wells and the mine boundary, as shown by a rise in water levels in monitor wells surrounding PA-3. This gradient drove mining solution beyond the mine boundary. These excursions affected a well on the Garcia property, approximately 300 m down gradient of the mine. Since mining began, uranium concentrations in the Garcia well have increased from less than 200 µg/L, to more than 600 µg/L.
This is the first time that contaminants in an off-site domestic well have been linked to ISL uranium mining in the United States of America."

Excursions of Mining Solution at the Kingsville Dome In-situ Leach Uranium Mine, by George Rice, in: 2012 - 2013 Austin Geological Society Bulletin, Volume 9 (3.9MB PDF), p. 18-34

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality invites comment on proposed approval of expansion of Rosita uranium in situ leach mine

URI, Inc. (URI) has applied to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for an amendment to Radioactive Material License R03653. URI conducts recovery of uranium by the in situ leach methodology. This amendment authorizes URI to expand operations at their Rosita Project by authorizing an increase of the licensed area and authorizing an additional remote ion exchange unit in the added licensed area.
You may submit public comments or request a public meeting about this application. The TCEQ may grant a contested case hearing on this application if a written hearing request is timely submitted. All written public comments and requests must be submitted within 30 days from the date of newspaper publication of this notice.
> Texas Register October 8, 2010, Volume 35 Number 41, Pages 9003-9166

Whistleblower speaks out against methods once used by Uranium Resources Inc. at Kingsville Dome uranium in situ leach mine (Texas)

Roland Burrow worked as a wellfield operator for Uranium Resources, Inc., outside Kingsville, Texas a decade ago. He says the company at the time was regularly flushing high volumes of water into the mine field that would have expanded groundwater pollution beyond its permitted area, posing a potential future risk to the residents of Kingsville. He claims also to have witnessed the falsification of monitoring-well data, which must be regularly submitted to the state to show the contaminated water is contained at the mine site.
He tried unsuccessfully to get the TNRCC and FBI involved, and was fired. He moved a couple counties over, but now a URI offshoot wants to mine in his backyard (at Goliad), and he's decided to fight.
> Watch video Uranium mining whistleblower by paleish, Sep. 8, 2009 (Youtube)

Kingsville Dome ISL mine to shut down again

During the fourth quarter of 2008, URI shut down one operating wellfield at Kingsville Dome. The two Kingsville Dome wellfields that remained in production at December 31, 2008 are expected to be depleted by the end of the first quarter of 2009. In Kleberg County, the economic downturn is leading to a slowdown at a uranium plant that's been around for two decades. In fact, the company plans to shut down temporarily over the next month and start working on restoration. (URI Mar. 11, 2009)
The uranium mining plant opened up in 1988. Ever since then, critics have asked how the company plans to clean up. With a slow down expected soon, workers have started that process.
Word about the mining coming to end concerns opponents of the uranium mines. South Texas Opposing Pollution (STOP) leaders said these mines need to be cleaned up. "They have been in the process of cleaning up in the last 20 years," said Mark Walsh, a member of STOP. "They have not cleaned out any area yet; Area 1, 2 or 3." (KIII TV3 Jan. 27, 2009)

Startup of Rosita ISL mine delayed and shut down

On June 9, 2008, Uranium Resources, Inc. announced that there has been a delay in the startup of its Rosita wellfield as a result of a number of aquifer related technical issues.
On March 11, 2009, Uranium Resources, Inc. announced that the Rosita wellfield, which proved to be a technically challenging and therefore, higher cost operation, was shut-in during October, 2008, due to lack of economic feasibility in the current price environment.

Production starts from new wellfield at Kingsville Dome ISL mine

Uranium Resources, Inc. announced on July 19, 2007, that it started production at Wellfield 14 located on the Company's Kingsville Dome project in South Texas. The Company expects to produce 120,000 to 140,000 pounds U3O8 [46 to 54 t U] over a one-year period from this wellfield. Total production costs are projected to fall within the range of $25 to $30 per pound.
The Company plans to bring its next wellfield at Kingsville Dome online in the fourth quarter of this year. The new wellfield should also produce approximately 120,000 to 140,000 pounds U3O8 within a twelve-month period.
The Company produced a total of 109,000 pounds U3O8 [42 t U] during the first quarter, and 136,000 pounds U3O8 [52 t U] during the second quarter 2007.

Restart of Kingsville Dome and Rosita ISL mines delayed

"Delays in restarting production at Kingsville Dome and Rosita have continued. Kingsville was restarted in April 2006. We planned to bring on three new wellfields, one in August and two in September. Weather problems and a shortage of available drill rigs and logging trucks have pushed off the expected startup of these wellfields by at least one month. At Rosita, the shortage of drill rigs and logging trucks has delayed estimated production until the first quarter of 2007. The shortage of drill rigs and logging trucks is the result of intense industry-wide competition for exploration and development tools." (URI Sep. 19, 2006)

Study finds URI Inc failed to restore groundwater quality after in-situ leach mining at Kingsville Dome

Kleberg County Citizen Review Board contracted this study by Dr. George Rice in which he found that Uranium Resources, Inc failed to restore water quality after mining.

Effects of URI's Kingsville Dome Mine on Groundwater Quality , Final Report, Prepared for the Kleberg County URI Citizen Review Board By George Rice, July 2006 (ALTURA)

License renewal for Kingsville Dome ISL mine

Hearing request granted on license renewal for waste disposal injection wells at Kingsvill Dome ISL facility

On July 14, 2004, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality granted the hearing requests by Eleuterio & Enedelia Saenz, Kleberg County and the STOP organization on the applications by URI, Inc., for renewal of permits for two Underground Injection Control wells, WDW-247 (this well has not been constructed) and WDW-248 (constructed), which authorize the continued disposal of industrial nonhazardous waste. The wells are located at the Kingsville Dome Uranium Mine in Kleberg County, approximately eight miles southeast of the City of Kingsville, five miles east of the City of Ricardo, east of Highway 77, and adjacent to Farm Road 1118.
(TEXAS COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY, marked agenda, July 14, 2004)

Extension of Kingsville Dome ISL mine (3rd production area)

Texas regulator approves extension of Kingsville Dome ISL uranium mine

State regulators have given a uranium company the go-ahead to expand its mine near the small South Texas town of Ricardo, despite the protests of residents who say the operation is fouling the groundwater. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality ruled on Feb. 22, 2006, that Dallas-based Uranium Resources Inc. could begin mining near the rural Kleberg County community. Commissioners even overruled a Texas administrative law judge who had recommended that the company only be allowed to open the new mine after it cleaned up the groundwater in two older mining areas. (San Antonio Express News Feb. 23, 2006)
> Download Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Commissioners' Marked Agenda Feb. 22, 2006 (PDF)

Hearing request granted on application for third production area authorization for the Kingsville Dome Mine

On July 14, 2004, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality granted the hearing requests by URI, Kleberg County and the STOP organization on the application by URI, Inc., for a third production area authorization for the Kingsville Dome Mine Site under existing Permit No. UR02827-001. The proposed production area authorization number is UR02827-031. The site is located in Kleberg County, approximately eight miles southeast of the City of Kingsville, five miles east of the City of Ricardo, east of Highway 77, and adjacent to Farm Road 1118. The authorization would allow injection into specified zones for the purpose of uranium production. The production zone is the Goliad formation at a depth of 420 feet to 810 feet.
(TEXAS COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY, marked agenda, July 14, 2004)

URI plans to resume mining at Kingsville Dome

During 2004, URI plans to continue actively working towards the completion of the permitting for the Kingsville Dome property. It is anticipated that this will be complete by early 2005 allowing the commencement of production at Kingsville Dome later that year. (URI March 23, 2004)

Kingsville Dome and Rosita ISL facilites to be placed on standby

In view of the depressed uranium market, Uranium Resources, Inc. announced that it plans to shut-in and place on stand-by its Kingsville Dome and Rosita in-situ leaching facilites in South Texas no later than the end of the first quarter of 1999. The Company will maintain certain activities at the Kingsville Dome and Rosita sites including the continuation of its ongoing restoration efforts. (URI release Nov. 16, 1998)

Kingsville Dome ISL license violations and reportable events

Uranium Spill - URI, Incorporated - Kingsville, Texas

"On January 24, 2000, the Licensee notified the Agency of a spill of 'bleed water' that occurred on October 26, 1999, when a feed line became disconnected from a main trunk line. A well field operator discovered a flange connection between a feed line and a main trunk line had separated resulting in a 2000 gallon (7.6 m3) spill. The area was on higher ground causing the water to flow down and collect in a low area inside the fenced property. The spill covered an area of approximately 4800 square feet (446 m2) and was contained onsite."
[SUMMARY OF INCIDENTS FOR FORTH QUARTER 1999, Texas Department of Health, Bureau of Radiation Control]

Spill of Radioactive Material - URI, Inc. - Kingsville, Texas

"On June 1, 1999, the Licensee notified the Agency of a spill of approximately 9000 gallons (34 m3) of restoration water containing 2.7 parts per million of uranium. The spill was due to a disconnect in the flow line from the well to the disposal pond. All spilled water was contained on-site."
[SUMMARY OF INCIDENTS FOR THIRD QUARTER 1999, Texas Department of Health, Bureau of Radiation Control]

Uranium Spill - URI, Inc. - Kingsville, Texas

"On January 22, 1998, the Licensee notified the Agency of a uranium spill involving 15,000 gallons" (57 m3) "of mine solution fluid containing 35 parts per million uranium that occurred on January 22, 1998. The spill occurred along an extraction line and was contained within the licensed area."
[SUMMARY OF INCIDENTS FOR FIRST QUARTER 1998, Texas Department of Health, Bureau of Radiation Control]

Uranium Spill - URI - Kingsville, Texas

"On September 29, 1997, the Licensee notified the Agency of a uranium spill involving 5000 gallons" (19 m3) "of pregnant mine solution containing 81 parts per million uranium that occurred on September 29, 1997. The spill occurred along an extraction line and was contained within the licensed area."
[SUMMARY OF INCIDENTS FOR FOURTH QUARTER 1997, Texas Department of Health, Bureau of Radiation Control]

Uranium Spill - URI - Kingsville, Texas

"On September 16, 1997, the Licensee notified the Agency of a uranium spill involving 3000 gallons" (11 m3) "of barren mine solution containing 6.7 parts per million uranium that occurred on September 16, 1997. The spill occurred at the end of a lateral line and was contained within the licensed area."
[SUMMARY OF INCIDENTS FOR FOURTH QUARTER 1997, Texas Department of Health, Bureau of Radiation Control]

Rosita ISL license violations and reportable events

Uranium Spill - URI, Inc. - San Diego, Texas

"On December 17, 1997, the Licensee notified the Agency of a uranium spill involving 7000 gallons" (26 m3) "of pregnant solution that occurred on December 17, 1997. The spill occurred on the extraction side of a lateral line. The spill was contained and 2500 gallons were recovered and deposited in a disposal pond."
[SUMMARY OF INCIDENTS FOR FOURTH QUARTER 1997, Texas Department of Health, Bureau of Radiation Control]

Uranium Spill - URI, Inc. - San Diego, Texas

"On December 4, 1997, the Licensee notified the Agency of a uranium spill involving 7000 gallons" (26 m3) "of pregnant solution that occurred on December 4, 1997. The spill occurred on the extraction side of a lateral line. The spill was contained and 3500 gallons were recovered and deposited in a disposal pond."
[SUMMARY OF INCIDENTS FOR FOURTH QUARTER 1997, Texas Department of Health, Bureau of Radiation Control]

Uranium Spill - URI, Inc - San Diego, Texas

"On October 13, 1997, the Licensee notified the Agency of a uranium spill involving 6600 gallons" (25 m3) "of pregnant solution that occurred on October 13, 1997. The spill occurred from the extraction side of a line that was attached to a main trunk line to the plant. The spill was caused by improper fusion of two joints. The spill was contained within a licensed area."
[SUMMARY OF INCIDENTS FOR FOURTH QUARTER 1997, Texas Department of Health, Bureau of Radiation Control]

Uranium Spill - URI - San Diego, Texas

"On September 30, 1997, the Licensee notified the Agency of a uranium spill involving 5000 gallons" (19 m3) "of pregnated solution that occurred on September 30, 1997. The spill occurred at the injection side of a lateral line and covered approximately 400 square feet. The spill was contained and deposited in a disposal pond."
[SUMMARY OF INCIDENTS FOR FOURTH QUARTER 1997, Texas Department of Health, Bureau of Radiation Control]

Uranium Spill - URI - San Diego, Texas

"On September 1, 1997, the Licensee notified the Agency of a uranium spill involving 30,000 gallons" (114 m3) "of barren injection water containing 1.5 parts per million uranium that occurred on September 1, 1997. The spill occurred at a booster pump on the main barren trunk line covering approximately 1200 square feet."
[SUMMARY OF INCIDENTS FOR THIRD QUARTER 1997, Texas Department of Health, Bureau of Radiation Control]

> View older issues: Kingsville Dome · Rosita


Utah


> See also Issues for: New Mining Projects · Decommissioning Projects · Legislation & Regulations
> See also Data for: Deposits, Proposed and Active Mines · Old Mines and Decommissioning

General

Southern Nevada Water Authority blames uranium mining near Moab for uranium in Colorado River

Southern Nevada's top water official is raising concerns about "measurable quantities" of uranium showing up in the Colorado River, the region's primary source for drinking water. Southern Nevada Water Authority chief Pat Mulroy blames uranium mining, particularly near Moab. In a letter Monday to federal Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne, Mulroy urges the department to "carefully evaluate" the effect on water quality before authorizing new mining claims near the river. (Salt Lake Tribune June 20, 2008)

 

Velvet mine, San Juan County

> View deposit info

Anfield Energy submits Velvet/Wood uranium mine plan of operations

> View: Water Right Application

> View: Velvet/Wood Notice of Intent (Search: Velvet or M0370040, Document Date 2024-04-29)

> View Plan of Operations (TBA)

Preliminary economic assessment announced for Velvet-Wood and Slick Rock uranium/vanadium mine projects

On March 30, 2023, Anfield Energy Inc. reported the results of a combined preliminary economic assessment ("PEA") for both its Utah-based Velvet-Wood Uranium and Vanadium Project and its Colorado-based Slick Rock Uranium and Vanadium Project. These two projects are located proximal to one another within the prolific Uravan Mineral Belt, and within close distance of the company's Shootaring Canyon Mill which will act as a centralized mineral processing facility in the PEA.
The PEA is based on a uranium price of US$ 70 per pound, along with a vanadium price of US$ 12 per pound. 36.5% of the total revenue is expected to come from the sale of vanadium.
> Calculate Mine Feasibility

Anfield Resources seeks discharge permit for Velvet uranium mine

Submit comments by Nov. 8, 2019.
> Access: 2019 Public Notices: Water Quality: Anfield Resources-Velvet Mine (UT DEQ)

Vanadium by-product recovery under consideration for idle Shootaring Canyon uranium mill

> View here

Positive Preliminary Economic Assessment announced for the Velvet-Wood uranium mine project, assuming uranium price more than doubles

On June 27, 2016, Anfield Resources Inc. reported the results of its Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") with regard to the Velvet-Wood Uranium Project. Velvet-Wood, as discussed herein, consists of two mine areas, located in Lisbon Valley, Utah and the Shootaring Canyon Uranium Mill, located in Ticaboo, Utah.
In the PEA, initial mineral processing will be via conventional vat or heap leaching methods conducted at Anfield's existing mineral processing facility, the Shootaring Mill, which lies approximately 180 miles from the Velvet-Wood mine area. Under this scenario, only those portions of the Shootaring Mill necessary for the final processing of pregnant leach solutions, from either a vat or heap leach facility, will be refurbished.
The PEA assumes a uranium sales price of US$ 65/lb U3O8, that is 2.5 times the current spot market price.

Preliminary Economic Assessment commissioned for the Velvet-Wood uranium mine project

On Feb. 10, 2015, Anfield Resources Inc. announced that it has engaged BRS, Inc. to complete a preliminary economic assessment for the Velvet-Wood Project.

Discharge permit renewal for idle Velvet uranium mine

Submit comments by close of business on June 30, 2014.
> View Public Notice, May 28, 2014 (Utah DEQ)

 

Rim mine, San Juan County

> View deposit info

Utah Division of Water Quality invites comment on proposed renewal of permit for water treatment plant at Energy Fuel's Rim mine

Public comments are invited any time prior to the deadline of the close of business on June 25, 2016.
> Download Public Notice, May 23, 2016 (PDF)
> Download Fact Sheet Statement of Basis (PDF)
> Download Wasteload Analysis (PDF)
> Download Draft Permit (PDF)

 

Utah Division of Water Quality announces settlement agreement on violations at Energy Fuels' Rim mine

On June 26, 2013, Utah DEQ announced it has reached a settlement agreement with Energy Fuels Resources resolving alleged violations of the Utah Water Quality Act at the Rim mine. Energy Fuels agrees to pay a penalty of US$ 1,167.
Public comments on the proposed settlement agreement are invited prior to close of business July 26, 2013.
> Download Notice of Violation and Settlement Agreement, Docket No. I12-04

Utah Division of Water Quality invites comment on proposed renewal of permit for water treatment plant at Denison's Rim mine

Public comments are invited any time prior to the deadline of the close of business on May 27, 2011.
> Download Public Notice, April 27, 2011 (PDF)
> Download Fact Sheet Statement of Basis (PDF)
> Download Wasteload Analysis (PDF)
> Download Draft Permit (PDF)

 

La Sal Mines Complex (Denison), San Juan County, Utah

> View deposit info
> Download Utah OGM files
> View BLM Moab field office project site

General

Production restarts at Energy Fuels' La Sal uranium mine

On Dec. 21, 2023, Energy Fuels Inc. announced that, in response to strong uranium market conditions, it has commenced uranium production at its La Sal mine. Ore mined from the mine during 2024 will be stockpiled at the Company's White Mesa Mill for processing in 2025.

Utah approves La Sal Mines expansion and directs Energy Fuels to reclaim Snowball waste rock pile

On September 2, 2020, the Utah Division of Oil, Gas & Mining issued a "Conditional Approval of Amended Notice of Intention to Commence Large Mining Operations" for the La Sal Mines Complex, La Sal, Utah. This notice combines the 4 mines into one mine: Beaver Shaft, La Sal, Pandora, and Snowball.
DOGM also informed Energy Fuels Resources (USA) Inc. of the need to reclaim the Snowball Mine. DOGM request that Energy Fuels submit a schedule, including interim steps, for reclamation of portions of the Snowball Mine no longer needed for mining operations and complete the reclamation no later than November 30, 2021. The Snowball waste rock is next to a steep, narrow dirt road on BLM land. (Uranium Watch Sep. 8, 2020)
> Download: Conditional Approval, Sep. 2, 2020 (DOGM - PDF)

Expansion of La Sal complex uranium/vanadium mines obtains BLM and FS approval

On Feb. 26, 2018, Energy Fuels Inc. announced that it has received approval from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management ("BLM") and U.S. Forest Service ("USFS") for the expansion of its 100%-owned La Sal Complex of uranium/vanadium mines.
> Download project documents (BLM)

Environmental Assessment for La Sal mine released for public comment

On July 5, 2012, BLM released the Environmental Assessment for the La Sal mine for public comment. The public review and comment period will end on August 21, 2012 (comment period extended).
> Download Public Notice and Environmental Assessment (BLM)

On Dec. 2, 2013, BLM announced that the Forest Service has new NEPA requirements under its 36 CFR 218 regulations. The Environmental Assessment (EA), Forest Service Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) and Forest Service Decision docment will be made available for a 45-day objection period. This is expected to occur in January 2014.

On September 25, 2014, the Manti La Sal National Forest posted the Environmental Assessment and a draft decision and FONSI on its Schedule of Proposed Action (SOPA) report for a 45 day objection period.
File objections within 45 days of September 25, 2014.
> Download La Sal Mines Complex Project Documents (Forest Service)
> Download Objections filed by Uranium Watch and others , Dec. 22, 2014 (927k PDF - Uranium Watch)

U.S Forest Service sends decision on La Sal Mines Complex Environmental Assessment back to drawing board: "On March 20, 2015, US Forest Service (USFS) ruled favorably on Uranium Watch et al.'s Objection to the La Sal Mines Complex Plan of Operations Amendment, the project EA, and the USFS draft Decision Notice and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). In the 38-page decision, the Objection Reviewing Officer found that the FONSI was not supported by the EA and the project record. He instructed the Forest Supervisor to hold the issuance of the Decision Notice until all concerns and instructions in the decision have been addressed. At the end of this process, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will issue its final decision." (Uranium Watch Mar. 26, 2015)
> View Center for Biological Diversity release, March 26, 2015

Activist denounces poor supervision of radon emissions from uranium mines near La Sal

A southern Utah activist wants state regulators to be more thorough and more transparent in how they handle hazardous emissions from Utah's uranium mines. Sarah Fields, representing Moab-based Uranium Watch , told the Utah Air Quality Board this week that state regulators have failed to carry out basic duties when it comes to cancer-causing radon emissions from uranium mines near La Sal in southeastern Utah's San Juan County.
Fields conceded that Denison's operations now release radon at doses lower than those considered harmful by the Environmental Protection Agency, although that hasn't always been the case. She also insisted DAQ (Division of Air Quality) doesn't have all the information it needs to ensure the mines are operating safely. As an example, she questioned if it was appropriate for DAQ to allow a vent - one that had been cited in an August 2010 notice of violation from the EPA - within a quarter-mile of the La Sal School. (Salt Lake Tribune Apr. 5, 2012)

Denison Mines commences operation of La Sal mine without air quality approval order, no BLM plan of operation, and minimal environmental assessment

Denison Mines Corporation (Denison) has begun the operation of the La Sal Mine, one of the mines in the La Sal Mines Complex, without an updated Plan of Operations and Environmental Assessment and without an modified Approval Order from the Utah Division of Air Quality (DAQ). (Uranium Watch June 20, 2011)

Continuing health and safety violations at La Sal Mines Complex

The operators of the La Sal Mine Complex, Denison Mines (USA) Corporation (Beaver Shaft Mine) received 10 citations and 2 orders, Reliance Resources LLC (Pandora Mine) received 5 citations and one order from the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) for health and safety violations in March. This is in addition to 11 citations in January, with proposed penalties of $13,372. MSHA has not yet assessed the penalties for the March citations.
Two of the March orders were issued because MSHA found hazardous conditions underground similar to previously identified hazardous conditions that had resulted in sections of the mines being closed off to workers. These included hazardous ground conditions related to scaling and support-the same type of conditions that caused the fatal accident in May 2010-and the need to wear respirators when the radon daughter concentrations exceed 1 Working Level. The mines have previously been cited for these hazardous conditions.
(Uranium Watch April 5, 2011)

Additional Information (Pandora Complex Mine ID 4200470):
> Access MSHA - Mine Data Retrieval System

Community environmental organizations call for EIS for La Sal Mines Complex

Uranium Watch , Canyonlands Watershed Council, Center for Biological Diversity, Glen Canyon Group of the Sierra Club, Grand Canyon Trust, and Living Rivers has called for a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the expansion of the La Sal Mines Complex, La Sal, Utah.
The groups submitted comments for the Bureau of Land Management and US Forest Service-Manti-La Sal National Forest environmental review of the November 2010 Plan of Operations Amendment. The comments included an Environmental Protection Alternative. The mining complex is owned by Denison Mines (USA) Corporation, which also operates the Beaver Shaft. Reliance Resources LLC operates the Pandora Mine. (Uranium Watch Jan. 31, 2011)
> Download Scoping Comments - January 31, 2010 (570k PDF)

BLM and Forest Service invite comment on planned expansion of operations at La Sal Mines Complex

The proposed action would approve the following activities on public lands managed by BLM and FS at the La Sal Complex: BLM's comment period ends January 31, 2011.
> View BLM announcement Jan. 4, 2011
> Download La Sal Mines Complex Documents (BLM)

The Forest Services' comment period ends March 24, 2011.
> Download La Sal Mines Complex Documents (USDA Forest Service)

 

Daneros mine, San Juan County, Utah

> View deposit info
> See also: Uranium Watch Daneros Mine page

Expansion of Daneros uranium mine obtains BLM approval

On Feb. 26, 2018, Energy Fuels Inc. announced that it has received approval from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management ("BLM") for the expansion of its Daneros mine.
> Download project documents (BLM)

BLM invites comment on Environmental Assessment for proposed expansion of Daneros Uranium Mine: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Monticello Field Office is seeking public comment on an environmental assessment for a proposal to modify a mine plan for the Daneros Uranium Mine in San Juan County.
The proposed modifications include expanding facilities at two mine portals, adding ventilation holes and expanding the mine surface area from 4.5 acres to 46 acres. Under the modified plan, total production of uranium ore is expected to increase from 100,000 tons over seven years to 500,000 tons over 20 years.
Submit comments by August 1, 2016 (Comment period extended).
> View: BLM release June 15, 2016 · BLM release July 5, 2016
> View/Download: DOI-BLM-UT-Y020-2016-0001-EA (Daneros Mine Plan Modification) (BLM)

BLM seeks public input on proposed operating plan modification for continued development of Daneros uranium mine: "This Modification includes components necessary to support additional mine development and mine operation beyond 2012. This Modification is designed to facilitate mineral development activities for a minimum of five and up to approximately 20 years of continued production, depending on market conditions and other factors."
Scoping comments will be accepted by until March 14, 2014.
> Download BLM release Feb. 5, 2014 (PDF)
> Download Daneros Plan of Operations, Dec. 2013

Daneros mine to be placed on standby for poor economics: On Oct. 17, 2012, Energy Fuels Inc. announced that it will shift its short-term focus toward lower cost sources of U3O8 production within its asset portfolio. As a result of this revised production strategy, Energy Fuels will be placing the Beaver and Daneros properties on the Colorado Plateau on standby over the course of the first quarter of FY 2013.

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Pandora mine, San Juan County, Utah

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> Download Utah OGM files

 

Production restarts at Pandora uranium mine: On Dec. 21, 2023, Energy Fuels Inc. announced that, in response to strong uranium market conditions, it has commenced uranium production at its Pandora mine. Ore mined from the mine during 2024 will be stockpiled at the Company's White Mesa Mill for processing in 2025.

Mine Safety and Health Administration settles with Reliance Resources on penalties for fatal accident at Pandora mine in 2010: Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has settled with Moab based Reliance Resources LLC for penalties associated with the fatal mine accident at the Pandora Mine on May 26, 2010. Reliance Resources operated the mine in La Sal, Utah, for Denison Mines Corporation, a Canadian company. Hunter Diehl was killed when large rock fell on him. He was manually scaling loose material from the rib when it fell.

It has takenover three years to resolve these and other contested penalties. There were 46 violations at the Pandora Mine in 2010. (UraniumWatch Oct. 31, 2013)

Pandora mine to be shut down: On Oct. 17, 2012, Energy Fuels Inc. announced that it will cease mining at the Pandora property during the second quarter of FY 2013, pending the depletion of its identified uranium and vanadium resources.

Pandora mine operator fined $92,600 for fatal accident: The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has issued a penalty of $92,600 to Reliance Resources, LLC, for two violations from the fatal accident on May 26, 2010, at the Pandora Mine (Mine ID 4200470), La Sal, San Juan County, Utah. (UraniumWatch May 7, 2011)

More worker health and safety violations at La Sal mines: The January 2011 Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) inspections resulted in 5 worker health and safety violations at the Pandora Mine for Reliance Resources LLC and 6 violations at the Beaver Shaft for Denison Mines (USA) Corp. All MSHA violations were associated with the failure of the mine operators to properly protect the workers from exposure to radon daughters (short lived, highly radioactive particulates from the decay of radon) in the mines.
Both Denison Mines and Reliance Resources were cited for exposure of workers to air with concentrations of radon daughters exceeding 1.0 working level (WL) in active workings and for the failure of workers to wear respirators in areas where the radon daughters exceed 1.0 WL. Reliance Resources was also cited for improper ventilation, not posting inactive workings where radon daughter concentrations are about 1.0 WL, and failure to calculate and record complete individual exposures in active working areas with radon daughter concentrations are more than .03 WL. This followed an inspection of December 20 when Denison was fined $6,000 for exposure of workers to radon daughters above the acceptable level, improper ventilation, and failure to calculate and document worker exposure to radon daughters, or progeny.
At the beginning of December, Denison was citied for 12 other violations, some for the same violations that Reliance Resources was cited for after Hunter Diehl was killed at the Pandora Mine 2010. Denison failed to correct hazardous conditions associated with scaling and support and failed to have a competent person examine each working place at least once each shift for conditions that may adversely affect safety or health.
In 2009 Denison received 13 citations; Reliance Resources received 14; total penalties for all were $3,629. In 2010, Denison received 34 citations and orders; total penalties of $18,304. Reliance Resources received 18 citations and orders; total penalties of $2,664 (this does not include any penalties associated with the fatal Pandora Mine accident on May 26, 2010).
Denison has been ajusting its ventilation system to reduce radon emissions so that they do not exceed the standard for doses to the nearest residents, La Sal School, and road maintenance shed. It is difficult for Denison to meet both the dose standard for off-site exposures to radon and the underground worker exposure standards.
(UraniumWatch March 3, 2011)
> Access MSHA - Mine Data Retrieval System (Mine ID: 4200470)

Judge approves drilling at Pandora uranium mine in Manti-La Sal National Forest: A federal judge will allow a uranium mining company to drill several new holes in the Manti-La Sal National Forest. Three Moab conservation groups had asked Judge Dale A. Kimball to halt the drilling planned by Denison Mines Corp. at its Pandora Mine, claiming the U.S. Forest Service permitted the project without an adequate environmental study. Uranium Watch, Center for Water Advocacy and Living Rivers argued that Denison would create radioactive air emissions and heavy metal contamination if it drills 16 exploration holes and two radon vent holes, a project approved by the Forest Service. Kimball gave more weight to Denison's environmental expert, who said there was no significant risk of environmental harm. Kimball also wrote that the Forest Service followed procedural rules when it allowed the project without environmental assessments or impact statements. (Salt Lake Tribune Sep 14, 2010)

Groups file suit to stop expansion of Pandora uranium mine in La Sal, Utah: Uranium Watch, Center for Water Advocacy, and Living Rivers, conservation groups located in Moab, Utah, yesterday (July 29) filed suit in federal district court in Salt Lake City to halt uranium exploration and the construction of radon vent holes on U.S. Forest Service land in the Manti-La Sal National Forest in La Sal, Utah.
The complaint filed with the United States District Court for the District of Utah challenges a decision by the Moab/Monticello Ranger District to permit the drilling of 16 exploration drill holes and 2 radon vent holes as part of the expansion of the Pandora Uranium Mine.
Radon is vented to the surface from the underground mine operations so that the miners will not breath in the radon gas and be exposed to the short-lived highly radioactive particles that are produced when radon decays. The proposed radon vents would add to the amount of radon gas and radioactive particulates released in the vicinity of the community of La Sal, on the south slope of the La Sal Mountains. In 2009, the amount of radon released from the uranium mines in La Sal jumped from 300 Curies to over 4,500 Curies, according to Denison's annual reports to the Utah Division of Air Quality. Radon is released from vents near the Beaver Shaft not far from the La Sal Elementary School. (Uranium Watch, July 30, 2010)

Uranium miner dies in rockfall accident in Pandora mine: A 28-year-old uranium miner from Moab died Wednesday (May 26) morning after he was hit by falling rock in the Pandora mine near LaSal, San Juan County. (The Salt Lake Tribune May 26, 2010)
Federal regulators faulted a Utah company for safety lapses in the death of a uranium miner who was killed by a large rock slab he was peeling off a tunnel wall near La Sal. A Mine Safety and Health Administration report released Thursday (Sep. 23) said Reliance Resources LLC of Moab was cited for inadequate worker training and failing to test a tunnel wall for loose rock. The citations were rescinded after the company took corrective measures. The report says 28-year-old Hunter Diehl ("deal") of Moab was using a pry bar to pull off loose slabs May 26 when one fell on top of him. He was pronounced dead later at a hospital. Reliance Resources operates the Pandora mine for another company, Denison Mines (USA) Corp. (Business Week Sep. 24, 2010)
> Download MSHA Report of Investigation, Sep. 23, 2010 (355k PDF)

A public input period is under way to comment on an air-quality permit for the Pandora uranium mine in La Sal, San Juan County. Moab-based Uranium Watch has requested a hearing. Director Sarah Fields raised a concern about the proximity of venting to an elementary school. The deadline for written comments is July 3, 2009. (The Salt Lake Tribune June 9, 2009)
> View Utah DEQ DAQ Permits out for public comment ("Denison Mines (USA) Corp, La Sal Mine")

On Sep. 14, 2006, International Uranium Corp. announced it has reached an agreement with Reliance Resources, LLC to conduct contract mining at the Company's Pandora Mine, located near LaSal, Utah. The Pandora Mine is a previously developed mine last operated in the late 1980's. Mining activities are underway and ore shipments to the Company's White Mesa Mill in Blanding, Utah will begin in early October 2006.

 

White Mesa uranium mill (Utah)

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Wyoming

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