NRC ups review of new in situ uranium mines

Comment: No type of uranium mining is safe!!

By The Associated Press BOB MOEN, Associated Press Writer
Published: Thu, June 04, 2009 - 6:30 pm

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) The Nuclear Regulatory Commission will require more detailed environmental studies of proposed new uranium mines in the western United States that use in-situ mining.

The in situ technique involves pumping chemicals into groundwater to free uranium from the surrounding ore so it can be pumped to the surface and refined.

The agency announced Thursday that is has released its final environmental study of the mining method after conducting public meetings in Wyoming, Nebraska, South Dakota and New Mexico.
Wyoming is the leading producer of uranium at about 2 million pounds a year.

Critics say the technique pollutes groundwater. But supporters say it's a clean process that's less disruptive than traditional mining methods

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