| HOME WISE Uranium Project > Mining & Milling > Issues > New Uranium Mining Projects - USA > |
(last updated 13 May 2013)
On Aug. 30, 2012, Ur-Energy notified the NRC of its intent to recover uranium from the Shirley Basin Project using in situ mining techniques. The company anticipates submitting a license amendment request to the NRC in the first quarter of 2014.
On July 24, 2012, Ur-Energy Inc. announced that is acquiring the deposit from Areva.
> View older issues
On Aug. 9, 2010, The Bootheel Project, LLC, notified the NRC of its intention to submit a licence application in mid-2012.
Uranerz defers license application for Jane Dough uranium in situ leach project, again: On Apr. 15, 2013, Uranerz Energy Corp. notified the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) of a revision of the estimated submittal date for the Jane Dough Unit amendment application to the fourth quarter of 2013.
Uranerz defers license application for Jane Dough uranium in situ leach project: On Nov. 5, 2012, Uranerz Energy Corp. notified the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) of a revision of the submittal date for the Jane Dough Unit amendment application to the second quarter of 2013.
Uranerz to seek license for Jane Dough ISL project as extension of Nichols Ranch: On Oct. 7, 2011, Uranerz Energy Corp. notified the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) of its intent to submit an amendment to the Nichols Ranch ISR Project Source Material License SUA-1597 for the Jane Dough Unit in the fourth quarter of 2012. The permit boundary for the Jane Dough Unit is directly south and contiguous with the Nichols Ranch Unit.
Permit applications initiated for Jane Dough uranium in situ leach project:
On March 24, 2010, Uranerz Energy Corporation announced that it has commenced preparation of environmental permit and license applications for its planned third ISR uranium mining unit in the central Powder River Basin of Wyoming. This unit, newly named Jane Dough, includes the Doughstick, South Doughstick and North Jane uranium properties.
The Jane Dough permit area will be adjacent to and immediately south of the Nichols Ranch permit area, and the Company intends to add the Jane Dough Unit as an amendment to the Nichols Ranch ISR Project license, once that license has been received. Due to the proximity of these two units, it is likely that instead of building a satellite plant at Jane Dough, it will be possible to install pipelines to transfer the mining solutions to/from Jane Dough to the planned central processing plant at the Nichols Ranch Unit. This initiative could result in considerable capital cost savings for Jane Dough.
Crosshair terminates acquisition of Juniper Ridge property: On Nov. 30, 2012, Crosshair Energy Corp announced that it has terminated the Purchase and Sale Agreement dated October 29, 2010, between the Company and Strathmore Resources (US) Ltd. and Strathmore Minerals Corp. with respect to the sale, by Strathmore, of 100% of the Juniper Ridge property.
BLM seeking comment on the Juniper Ridge uranium exploration project:
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Rawlins Field Office is launching a 30-day public comment period on a Plan of Operations (POO) for the Juniper Ridge Uranium Exploration Project, located roughly seven miles west of Baggs, Wyo., in Carbon County.
The Juniper Ridge project is proposed by 448018 Exploration, Inc., based in Vancouver, British Columbia. The project area would encompass some 8,320 acres of public land. The proposal includes developing up to 487 mud rotary drill sites, trenching or bulk sampling, construction of new roads and an equipment and vehicle storage area. In addition, up to 10 drill holes will be converted to ground water monitoring wells. Surface disturbance is expected to be up to 54 acres.
Comments should be received by June 8, 2012.
> View BLM release May 11, 2012
> Download Plan of Operations (BLM)
On March 21, 2013, Peninsula Energy Limited announced the completion of an extensive optimisation study, delivering a substantial reduction in capital and operating costs which "significantly enhance the economics of the project".
On May 3, 2012, Peninsula Energy Limited announced that the Lance Feasibility Study (FS) has upgraded the economic viability of the Lance In-Situ Recovery (ISR) Uranium Projects.
On Apr. 3, 2012, Peninsula Energy Limited announced its decision to mine at Lance.
On Dec. 21, 2011, Peninsula Minerals Limited announced that the Ross Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) and the Lance Expanded Economic Study (EES) have confirmed the technical and economic viability of the Lance in-situ recovery (ISR) uranium projects.
> Calculate Mine Feasibility
On July 14, 2010, Peninsula Minerals Limited announced that a Pre-Feasibility Study
(PFS) has been completed on the Ross and Barber projects, the first two planned
production centres at the Lance Projects in Wyoming. The results confirm robust economics and the viability of a planned In-Situ Recovery mining operation at the Lance Projects.
The recommendation from the PFS is to proceed immediately to completion of the
Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS).
On Feb. 3, 2010, Peninsula Minerals Ltd announced that the first stage of an Independent Pre-Feasibility Study has been completed on the Ross and Barber projects, the first two planned production centres in Wyoming. The results support the viability of Peninsula's planned In-Situ Recovery (ISR) mining operations.
(NRC)
NRC issues Draft Supplemental EIS for Ross uranium in situ leach project for comment:
Submit comments by May 13, 2013.
> Download NRC release Mar. 21, 2012 (PDF)
> Federal Register Volume 78, Number 61 (Friday, March 29, 2013) p. 19330-19332 (download full text )
> Download: Environmental Impact Statement for the Ross ISR Project in Crook County, Wyoming, Supplement to the Generic Environmental Impact Statement for In-Situ Leach Uranium Milling Facilities, NUREG-1910 Supplement 5, Draft Report for Comment , March 2013 (73.4MB PDF)
> Access Docket ID NRC-2011-0148
NRC releases Safety Evaluation Report for Ross uranium in situ leach project:
"The NRC staff finds that the application for the Ross Project material license complies with the standards and requirements of the Act and the Commission's regulations, and based on its review as documented in this SER, staff concludes that the proposed facility meets applicable requirements for a license issuance in 10 CFR Parts 20 and 40."
> Download: Safety Evaluation Report for the Strata Energy, Inc. Ross ISR Project, Crook County, Wyoming , U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, February 2013 (25MB PDF - ADAMS Acc. No. ML13059A475)
State issues Permit to Mine for Ross uranium in situ leach project: On Nov. 22, 2012, Peninsula Energy Ltd announced that the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality has granted a Permit to Mine to wholly-owned subsidiary Strata Energy Inc for the Ross Production Unit.
NRC issues Draft Licence for Ross uranium in situ leach project:
On Nov. 8, 2012, Peninsula Energy Limited announced that the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory
Commission (NRC) has issued a draft Source and 11e.(2) Byproduct Materials License (SML) to wholly-owned subsidiary Strata Energy Inc.
> Download Draft Licence, Nov. 6, 2012
> Download Draft Licence, Feb. 7, 2013
> Download Draft Licence, Feb. 28, 2013 · corrected version
> Download Draft Licence, Mar. 4, 2013
NRC issues Notice of Hearing on Ross uranium in situ leach project:
An NRC Atomic Safety and Licensing Board has granted a hearing to two public interest groups, the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Powder River Basin Resource Council .
> Federal Register Volume 77, Number 39 (Tuesday, February 28, 2012)
p. 12087-12088 (download full text )
NRC issues Notice of intent to prepare a supplemental environmental impact
statement for the Ross uranium in situ leach project:
> Federal Register Volume 76, Number 221 (Wednesday, November 16, 2011) p. 71082-71083 (download full text )
Ross ISL uranium project receives Air Quality Permit: On Sep. 28, 2011, Peninsula Energy Limited announced that the Division of Air Quality of the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (WDEQ/AQD) has completed final review of Strata Energy Inc's application to construct the Ross ISR Project. Approval to construct the Ross ISR Project as described in the application has now been granted.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Newcastle Field Office announces the availability of a Plan of Operations review on the proposed Ross uranium in situ recovery (ISR) mining project approximately 20 miles north of Moorcroft, Wyo.
The 30-day public review and comment period runs through August 30, 2011.
> View BLM release Aug. 1, 2011
On June 30, 2011, NRC announced the availability of the license application for the Ross uranium recovery project.
Requests for a hearing or leave to intervene must be filed by September 12, 2011.
Federal Register: July 13, 2011 (Volume 76, Number 134) p. 41308-41312 (download full text )
> Download NRC News June 30, 2011 (PDF)
> Download License Application (ADAMS Acc. No. ML110120063 - see also detailed list below)
On April 14, 2011, Peninsula Energy Limited announced approval from the Wyoming
Department of Environmental Quality (WDEQ) for the construction and testing of Underground Injection Control (UIC) Class 1 wells at the Lance In-Situ Recovery (ISR) Uranium Project, Wyoming, USA.
The UIC permit, which was issued to Peninsula's wholly owned subsidiary, Strata Energy Inc (Strata) on 13 April 2011, is the first of the three main licenses the Company requires to be granted for it to commence mining operations at Lance.
This deep disposal well (DDW) license allows Strata to construct and test five such wells in the Ross Permit area. The DDWs will be used to inject low-level wastes into an isolated rock formation at a depth in excess of 8,000 feet [2,438 m] below the surface.
> Download WDEQ UIC permit April 13, 2011 (ADAMS Acc. No. ML111380015)
On January 13, 2011, Peninsula Energy Ltd submitted to the Land Quality Division of the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality an application for a permit to mine. (Peninsula Jan. 17, 2011)
On January 4, 2011, Peninsula Energy Ltd submitted to NRC an application requesting authorization to construct and operate an in-situ uranium recovery (ISR) facility at its Ross ISR Project, located near Oshoto, in northeastern Wyoming. The proposed facility would consist of wellfields, pipelines and a central plant to process extracted uranium into yellowcake.
Peninsula is targeting commencement of uranium mining at the Ross Project in 2012.
(Peninsula Jan. 4, 2011)
On June 28, 2011, NRC staff notified Peninsula that it has now completed the acceptance review and found the application sufficient for a detailed technical and environmental review.
> Download: Ross ISR Project U.S. NRC License Application - Strata Energy, Dec. 31, 2010:
· 3.4-A - 3.4-B
· 3.5-A - 4.6-A
· Sections 2.9 - 2.11
· 2.6-B (Contd.)
· 2.6-C
· 2.7-K - 2.9-A
· 2.9-B
· 2.9-B (Contd.)
· 4.2-A (Cover - Fig. 6
· Fig. 7 - 13
· Fig. 14 - 23
· Fig. 24 - 41
· Fig. 42 - App. A )
· 4.2-B, 6.4-A
· 6.1-A
On July 22, 2010, Peninsula Minerals Limited announced that it has submitted an application for up to five deep disposal wells to the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality/Water Quality Division. The Class I injection wells are planned to target the Cambrian Aged Deadwood/Flathead Sandstones at depths exceeding 8,200 feet (2,500 metres) below surface.
On Oct. 7, 2009, Peninsula Minerals Limited announced that on October 6, 2009 it submitted formal notice to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) of its intention to submit an application for a uranium recovery licence at the Ross Project in Wyoming, USA. The notice states Peninsula's intention to construct and operate an In-Situ Recovery facility at Ross including a central processing plant, associated well fields and all other required infrastructure. Based on current projections, Peninsula intends to submit its final licence application for approval on or before December 1, 2010.
(NRC) (NRC)
Mar. 5, 2010: Interior Department says sage grouse deserves -- but won't get -- protection
On Oct. 28, 2009, Uranium One requested that "the NRC defer all further review of the Antelope and JAB application until such time that Uranium One requests resumption. The reason for this request is the uncertainty involved with the potential listing of the Greater Sage Grouse under the Endangered Species Act. The Antelope and JAB project lies within an area identified by the State of Wyoming as a "core" area for management of the sage grouse. Should the bird be listed, future development of energy projects including uranium, oil and gas, and wind in these areas could be seriously jeopardized. A decision on whether a listing for the sage grouse is warranted is expected by February 26, 2010."
On Aug. 6, 2009, NRC issued a Notice of Intent to Prepare a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement for the Antelope and JAB Uranium Project.
Federal Register: August 14, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 156) p. 41174-41176 (download full text )
On May 19, 2009, NRC issued a Notice of Opportunity for Hearing regarding Energy Metals Corporation's License Application Request of Antelope and JAB Uranium Project, Sweetwater County, WY.
A request for a hearing must be filed by July 20, 2009.
Federal Register: May 19, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 95) p. 23436-23440 (download full text )
On April 15, 2009, NRC made the corrected volumes of the license application available at ADAMS Acc. No. ML090840127
On April 3, 2009, NRC suspended the review of EMC's application again, since it had turned out once more that the re-submitted documents were inconsistent.
On Jan. 21, 2009, NRC informed EMC that its acceptance review has been suspended, since the six copies of the Technical Report provided by EMC are not identical (!).
On March 9, 2009, NRC found the application acceptable for review, after EMC had supplied revised copies of the Technical Report.
EMC submitted the Environmental Report on Aug. 7, 2008.
> Download Environmental Report Antelope and JAB Uranium Project, Aug. 2008 (4 volumes) (ADAMS ML082820454)
On July 10, 2008, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) staff received Energy Metals Corporation's application for a new facility license at its JAB and Antelope sites in Sweetwater County, Wyoming. The July 10, 2008 submittal included the technical report but not the environmental report. NRC notified EMC that it would not begin to process the application until the staff receives the environmental report.
> Download Technical Report Antelope and JAB Uranium Project, June 2008 (3 volumes) (ADAMS ML082730312)
On Nov. 3, 2008, The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality issued a Notice of Violation to Energy Metals Corp. (EMC) for failures at its Antelope site:
The inspection revealed that topsoil and overburden were inadequately separated and that topsoil had been contaminated by overburden and drilling mud, and the inspection revealed several instances of the failure to ensure the safety of the public and wildlife in the form of open mud pits.
> Download Notice of Violation #4386-08, Nov. 3, 2008 (PDF)
On Jan. 23, 2013, Strathmore notified the NRC that it now intends to submit an application for a heap leach operation in the fourth quarter of 2013.
Mine permit application submitted for Strathmore's Gas Hills open pit uranium mine project: On Nov. 6, 2012, Strathmore announced that it has submitted a mine permit application for the proposed development of its open pit uranium project in the Gas Hills Uranium District of Wyoming. The mine permit application was submitted on October 31st to the state of Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (WDEQ) and the US Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The submission includes documentation addressing, among other things, environmental issues, public health, and safety concerns in significant detail.
On Feb. 8, 2012, Strathmore notified the NRC that it now intends to submit an application for a heap leach operation in the first quarter of 2013.
On Feb. 10, 2011, Strathmore presented to NRC the concept for a heap leach project at the site of the reclaimed Tablestake mine pits.
> Download presentation slides (28.4M PDF)
On Nov. 18, 2010, Strathmore Minerals Corp. announced that it intends to mine the current uranium resources by conventional open-pit methods and is working toward permitting the George-Ver Project as the first of several sequentially mineable deposits.
The Company also plans to mine additional deposits in the Gas Hills (Day Loma, Loco-Lee) and has initiated the gathering of background data (cultural, floral, faunal, hydrologic, etc) necessary for submittal of additional mine site permits to the state and federal regulators.
Also of importance, the Company has begun the collection of necessary data for the preparation of a US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) permit application for the construction and operation of a conventional uranium mill at the Sagebrush-Tablestakes site. Strathmore anticipates submittal of a Mill Permit Application to the NRC in the first half of 2012.
Just one day later, however, in a letter dated Nov. 19, 2010, Strathmore notified NRC "that we currently anticipate submittal of the license application in the third quarter 2012".
On March 18, 2009, Strathmore notified the NRC that it intends to submit the license application in late fall 2011.
Strathmore discloses identity of licensed historic mill site it has optioned in the Gas Hills Uranium District:
On March 21, 2008, Strathmore Minerals Corp. notified NRC of its intent to
submit a license application for a conventional uranium mill and tailings disposal operation or alternatively, a heap or vat leach facility to be located at its Gas Hills uranium properties in Fremont County, Wyoming. The property under consideration is located on federal Lands and land held privately owned by American Nuclear Corporation which Strathmore currently has under option.
Strathmore acquires option for acquisition of unnamed licensed historic mill site in the Gas Hills Uranium District:
On Jan. 7, 2008, Strathmore Minerals Corp. announced that its subsidiary, Strathmore Resources (US) Ltd. has entered into an option agreement to purchase an existing NRC license and additional private mineral rights containing known uranium mineralization in the Gas Hills Uranium District, Wyoming. The NRC license covers a historic mill site. It will be evaluated to determine if it can be used for a new mill or ore heap and/or vat leach facility in the Gas Hills. Strathmore has agreed not to disclose the name of the company involved or the terms of this agreement. The private mineral rights are adjacent to existing Strathmore land holdings in the Gas Hills District and would be incorporated into new and expanded mining and milling scenario. The Gas Hills area is located 45 miles east of Riverton Wyoming.
Note: NRC-licensed historic uranium mill sites in the Gas Hills Mining District are: American Nuclear Corporation,
Pathfinder - Lucky Mc, and
Umetco Minerals Corp.
On March 17, 2009, Wildhorse Energy Ltd notified the NRC "that due to continuing negative economic and market conditions WildHorse Energy has further revised its schedule for submitting the US NRC Source Material License for its West Alkali Project located in southern Central Wyoming. Based on the revised schedule we expect to submit the application later than 2011."
On June 10, 2008, The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality issued a Notice of Violation to Wildhorse Energy Ltd for several well failures. In a settlement agreement, Wildhorse agreed to pay a penalty of 500 Dollars.
> Download Notice of Violation #4287-08, June 10, 2008 (PDF)
> Download Settlement Agreement, June 23, 2008 (PDF)
> Download Termination of Notice, Oct. 29, 2008 (PDF)
On Mar. 20, 2008, notified NRC of its intent to submit an application for a US NRC Source Material License for its West Alkali Project located in southern Central Wyoming.
On Dec. 4, 2007, Wildhorse Energy Ltd announced the receipt of a positive Scoping Study for its Bison Basin uranium in situ-leach project.
The main development scenario was based on an exploration target producing between eight and 10 million pounds U3O8 [3080 - 3850 t U], with a 1 million pound U3O8 per annum [385 t U/a] operation. The cash costs have been estimated at US$ 18 per pound, and pre-production capital costs estimated to be US$ 62 million. The company will now complete pre-feasibility and feasibility studies in 2008.
> View more recent issues
NRC issues operating license for Moore Ranch ISL project:
On Oct. 1, 2010, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission announced that it has issued an operating license for the Moore Ranch uranium in situ leach project.
> Download NRC release Oct. 1, 2010 (PDF)
> Federal Register: October 7, 2010 (Volume 75, Number 194), p. 62153-62154 (download full text )
> Download Safety Evaluation Report, Sep. 2010 (ADAMS Acc. No. ML101310291)
NRC issues revised draft license for Moore Ranch ISL project: On Sep. 21, 2010, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued a revised draft license for the Moore Ranch uranium in situ leach project.
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has determined there are no major environmental impacts that would preclude licensing the Moore Ranch uranium recovery project proposed for Campbell County, Wyo.
> Download NRC release Aug. 27, 2010 (PDF)
On Aug. 23, 2010, NRC released the final Supplement to the Generic Environmental Impact Statement (GEIS NUREG-1910 ) for the Moore Ranch ISR Project.
> Federal Register: August 27, 2010 (Volume 75, Number 166) p. 52780-52781 (download full text )
> Download NUREG-1910, Supp. 1, Final Report, Environmental Impact Statement for the Moore Ranch ISR Project in Campbell County, Wyoming, Supplement to the Generic Environmental Impact Statement for In-Situ Leach Uranium Milling Facilities · alternate source (12.2MB PDF, ADAMS Acc. No. ML102290470)
On June 22, 2010, NRC issued to Uranium One Americas, Inc. a draft license (SUA-1596) for the Moore Ranch uranium in situ leach project.
(ADAMS Acc. No. ML100970139 )
> Download Updated Moore Ranch Technical Report , May 31, 2010 (ADAMS Acc. No. ML120740302)
> Download Updated Moore Ranch Environmental Report , May 31, 2010 (ADAMS Acc. No. ML120540374)
> See also: EPA raises concern over planned deep disposal wells for Wyoming uranium in situ leach projects
On January 18, 2010, Uranium One notified the NRC that the license application for the Moore Ranch in situ leach project will be requested in the form of an amendment to Cogema Mining, Inc. Source Material License SUA-1341 (Christensen Ranch/Irigaray).
On Dec. 7, 2009, NRC released the draft Supplement to the Generic Environmental Impact Statement (GEIS NUREG-1910 ) for the Moore Ranch ISR Project for comment. Comments are invited by March 3, 2010 (Comment period extended).
> View NRC release Jan. 29, 2010
> Federal Register: February 5, 2010 (Volume 75, Number 24) p. 6065-6066 (download full text )
> View NRC release Dec. 11, 2009
> Federal Register: December 11, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 237) p. 65806-65808 (download full text )
> Download NUREG-1910, Supp. 1, DFC, Environmental Impact Statement for the Moore Ranch ISR Project in Campbell County, Wyoming, Supplement to the Generic Environmental Impact Statement for In-Situ Leach Uranium Milling Facilities (23.1MB PDF, ADAMS Acc. No. ML093350050)
NRC issues Notice of Intent to prepare a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement for the Moore Ranch uranium in-situ leach project:
Federal Register: August 21, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 161) p. 42332-42333 (download full text )
On May 14, 2008, NRC sent Energy Metals Corp a request for additional information (ADAMS Acc. No. ML081340113 ) regarding its license application for the Moore Ranch in-situ leach uranium project:
We identified significant concerns related to both groundwater and radiological protection. Our most significant groundwater concerns relate to the absence of underlying shale in a portion of the production zone, the effects of coal bed methane produced water on surface and groundwater, the unconfined conditions in the production zone, and the estimate of the number of pore volumes that will be required to restore the production zone. Our most significant radiological protection concerns relate to the design objective of the ventilation system and the adequacy of radiological environmental monitoring. [...]The unconfined aquifer in the proposed "70 sand" production zone is a unique setting for an ISL operation [emphasis added]. The unconfined aquifer setting presents an entirely different hydrogeologic flow regime which has implications for well field balancing, communication with monitoring wells and overlying and underlying aquifes, excursion monitoring/correction, lixiviant behavior and restoration. [...]
The confinement of the "70 sand" is in question based on the acknowledged absence of the underlying shale between the "70 sand" and "68 sand" in a large portion of Wellfield 2, the potential absence of the underlying shale in Wellfield 1, and the absence of overlying shale on the isopach just northwest of Wellfield 3. [...]
On Jan. 17, 2008, NRC issued an Opportunity to Request a Hearing on Energy Metals Corp.'s license application for the Moore Ranch in-situ leach uranium project.
Federal Register: January 25, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 17) p. 4642-4644 (download full text )
> View NRC release Feb. 1, 2008
> View docket NRC-2008-0040 (regulations.gov)
On Oct. 3, 2007, Energy Metals Corp. submitted the license application for its Moore Ranch in-situ leach uranium project. According to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), this is the first application for a new uranium recovery facility submitted to the NRC since 1988.
> View NRC release Oct. 4, 2007
> Download License Application Documents (ADAMS Acc. No. ML072851218)
> Download Updated Environmental Report , May 31, 2010 (ADAMS Acc. No. ML120540374)
> See also: Uranium One Inc. concludes toll milling agreement with Power Resources Inc.
On Apr. 12, 2007, Energy Metals Corp. announced that all baseline studies for its Moore Ranch in-situ leach uranium project are on track to be completed by the end of August 2007. Work continues on other portions of the State and NRC License Applications and submittal of the final application is anticipated at the end of October 2007.
(NRC)
NRC announces License amendment request for new Ludeman in situ leach uranium project, opportunity to request a hearing and to petition for leave to intervene:
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC or the Commission) has
received, by letter dated December 5, 2011, a request to amend Source
Material License SUA-1341 to construct and operate a new in situ leach
uranium recovery (ISL) facility at Uranium One's Ludeman facility in Converse
County, Wyoming.
Requests for a hearing or leave to intervene must be filed by August 6, 2012.
> Federal Register Volume 77, Number 110 (Thursday, June 7, 2012) p. 33782-33786 (download fullt text )
> View Docket ID NRC-2012-0120
(added to ADAMS on Jan. 16, 2012, comprising 108 files totalling 1148 MB).
On Feb. 26, 2009, Energy Metals Corporation dba Uranium One, Americas
(Uranium One) provided notice to the Nuclear Regulatory
Commission (NRC) of Uranium One's intent to submit an application for a
Source Material License for the Ludeman Satellite ISR Uranium Project in
Converse County, Wyoming. The proposed project will utilize in-situ recovery
and ion exchange processing methods to produce uranium-loaded resin for
transport to an offsite process facility (Moore Ranch or other licensed facility).
Uranium One plans to submit the application by April 2009.
However, on June 16, 2009, Energy Metals Corp. deferred the submittal date to mid-July 2009. And, on July 15, 2009, Energy Metals Corp. deferred the submittal date further to Aug. 15, 2009.
On March 20, 2008, Energy Metals Corporation provided notice to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission of its intent to submit an application for a Source Material License for the Ludeman Satellite ISR Uranium Project in Converse County, Wyoming. The application will be a proposed amendment to the Moore Ranch Uranium Project Source Material License.
> See also: Uranium One Inc. concludes toll milling agreement with Power Resources Inc.
On January 18, 2010, Uranium One notified the NRC that the license application for the Allemand-Ross in situ leach project will be requested in the form of an amendment to Cogema Mining, Inc. Source Material License SUA-1341 (Christensen Ranch/Irigaray). Submittal is planned at the end of the second quarter of 2010.
On Feb. 26, 2009, Energy Metals Corporation resubmitted its notice to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission of its intent to submit an application for a Source Material License for the Allemand-Ross Satellite ISR Uranium Project in Converse County, Wyoming.
On March 20, 2008, Energy Metals Corporation provided notice to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission of its intent to submit an application for a Source Material License for the Allemand-Ross Satellite ISR Uranium Project in Converse County, Wyoming. The application will be a proposed amendment to the Moore Ranch Uranium Project Source Material License.
On August 22, 2006, NRC held a pre-licensing meeting with High Plains Uranium, Inc. (HPU) to discuss issues related to their upcoming In Situ Leach (ISL) uranium recovery license application for the Allemand-Ross project, among others.
HPU is planning a Satellite ISL operation which would include injection, production, and monitoring wells; resin tanks for uranium recovery; and a deep disposal well. HPU plans to ship the uranium laden resin to an existing (second party) licensed processing plant for uranium elution, precipitation, and drying (i.e., yellow cake production). HPU's tentative application submittal date is July/August 2007. (NRC Summary of August 22, 2006 meeting, Aug. 30, 2006)
On March 10, 2008, Uranerz Energy Corporation notified NRC of its intent to submit a Source Material License Application for the Collins Draw ISR Project in the third quarter of 2009. The Collins Draw ISR Project will produce uranium by the in situ recovery method and be located in the Pumpkin Buttes Mining District of the Powder River Basin, Wyoming. The project will consist of a satellite operation that will include wellfields with associated header houses, an ion exchange circuit, deep disposal well facilities, associated process and maintenance buildings, and materials storage. The Collins Draw permit area is approximately 5 miles from Uranerz Energy Corporation's Nichols Ranch ISR Project. The uranium produced at Collins Draw will be shipped to the Nichols Ranch facility for processing to yellowcake.
(NRC)
Wyoming Business Council approves grant for Nichols Ranch uranium project: The Wyoming Business Council board approved a $20 million Industrial Development Bond for construction of Uranerz Energy's Nichols Ranch uranium facility. The bond would cover more than half the cost of building a partial processing plant and the first in-situ injection and recovery wellfield. The project is expected to cost $35 million total. The company expects to begin production on the site in the first quarter of 2013. Uranerz is expected to pay back the bond over seven years. (Star-Tribune Nov. 8, 2012)
Nichols Ranch uranium in situ leach mining project obtains last permit required to begin operations:
On Oct. 23, 2012, Uranerz Energy Corporation announced that the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality has issued the Class I Underground Injection Control (deep disposal well) permit for the Nichols Ranch ISR Uranium Project. This deep disposal well authorization is the last permit required to begin operations and commercial uranium production at Nichols Ranch.
> Download DEQ Responses to Comments (PDF - DEQ)
> Download Final Permit 10-392 (PDF - DEQ)
BLM announces public review of Hank Unit of Nichols Ranch uranium in situ leach mining project:
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Buffalo Field Office (BFO) announces the availability of a Plan of Operations review on the Hank Unit of the Nichols Ranch uranium in situ recovery (ISR) mining project approximately 40 miles southwest of Gillette, Wyo.
The comment period runs through July 15, 2012.
> View BLM notice June 15, 2012
> Download project documents
State seeks comments on draft permit for disposal wells at Nichols Ranch in situ leach uranium mine:
Submit comments prior to 5:00 P.M, June 7, 2012.
> Download State of Wyoming Public Notice May 8, 2012 (PDF)
> Download Draft UIC Permit (PDF)
Uranerz signs agreement with Cameco on processing of Nichols Ranch resin at Smith Ranch:
> View here
NRC issues license for Nichols Ranch uranium in situ leach project:
On July 20, 2011, Uranerz Energy Corporation announced that the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission has issued the Materials License for the company's Nichols Ranch ISR Uranium Project. The Materials License is the last NRC authorization required to commence on-site construction for eventual production at the Nichols Ranch ISR Uranium Project.
Construction activities will commence within the next few days.
> Download NRC news release July 20, 2011 (PDF)
> Download NRC's Safety Evaluation Report , July 2011 (7.6MB PDF)
> Download Materials License SUA-1597 (PDF)
> Federal Register: July 28, 2011 (Volume 76, Number 145) p. 45300-45301 (download full text )
On July 14, 2011, NRC released another revised draft license for the Nichols Ranch uranium in situ leach project.
> Download draft license
On June 29, 2011, Uranerz accepted the license conditions stated in the draft license revision.
On June 14, 2011, NRC released another revised draft license for the Nichols Ranch uranium in situ leach project.
> Download draft license
On March 11, 2011, NRC released a revised draft license for the Nichols Ranch uranium in situ leach project.
> Download draft license
NRC releases final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement for Nichols Ranch uranium in situ leach project; no major environmental impacts found:
On Jan. 24, 2011, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission announced that it has determined there are no major environmental impacts that would preclude licensing the Nichols Ranch uranium recovery project proposed for Johnson and Campbell counties in Wyoming.
> Download NRC release Jan. 24, 2011 (PDF)
> Federal Register: January 28, 2011 (Volume 76, Number 19) p. 5216 (download full text )
> Download Environmental Impact Statement for the Nichols Ranch ISR Project in Campbell and Johnson Counties, Wyoming: Supplement to the Generic Environmental Impact Statement for In-Situ Leach Uranium Milling Facilities - Final Report (NUREG-1910, Supplement 2)
On Jan. 4, 2011, Uranerz Energy announced that the State of Wyoming, Department of Environmental Quality, has issued the commercial Permit to Mine (Permit Number 778) for the Company's Nichols Ranch In-Situ Recovery Uranium Project. On the federal level, Uranerz will need the final Materials License from the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission before construction can commence.
On Nov. 23, 2010, Uranerz Energy announced that the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission has issued in draft form the Materials License Number SUA-1597 to the Company on its Nichols Ranch In-Situ Recovery Project.
> Download Draft License Nov. 16, 2010 (ADAMS Acc. No. ML102560347)
EPA raises concern over planned deep disposal wells for Wyoming uranium in situ leach projects: view here
On Dec. 4, 2009, NRC released the draft Supplement to the Generic Environmental Impact Statement (GEIS NUREG-1910 ) for the Nichols Ranch ISR Project for comment. Comments are invited by March 3, 2010 (Comment period extended).
> View NRC release Jan. 29, 2010
> Federal Register: February 5, 2010 (Volume 75, Number 24) p. 6066-6067 (download full text )
> View NRC release Dec. 11, 2009
> Federal Register: December 11, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 237) p. 65808-65810 (download full text )
> Download NUREG-1910 Supp 2 DFC, Environmental Impact Statement for the Nichols Ranch ISR Project in Campbell and Johnson Counties, Wyoming, Supplement to the Generic Environmental Impact Statement for In-Situ Leach Uranium Milling Facilities (21.4MB PDF, ADAMS Acc. No. ML093340536)
On Oct. 23, 2009, Uranerz Energy Corporation announced that the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality ("WDEQ") – Air Quality Division has approved and issued the air quality permit for the Company's Nichols Ranch ISR Uranium Project. The WDEQ – Air Quality Division has issued Permit No. CT-8644 in the form of a Permit to Construct the Nichols Ranch Uranium ISR Project which includes the Nichols Ranch Central Processing facility and the Hank Satellite plant.
This is the first operational permit for the construction of the Nichols Ranch Uranium ISR Project to be issued to Uranerz by the State of Wyoming. The WDEQ Permit to Mine and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Source Material License must also be obtained prior to initiating construction activities on site.
On July 28, 2009, NRC released a Notice of Intent To Prepare a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) to the Generic Environmental Impact Statement for In-Situ Leach Uranium Milling Facilities (ISR GEIS) for a new source material license for the Nichols Ranch ISR Project.
Federal Register: August 5, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 149) p. 39116-39117 (download full text )
> View Nichols Ranch Site - Application In Review (NRC)
On June 16, 2008, NRC issued a Notice of License Application Request of Uranerz Energy Corporation Nichols Ranch In Situ Uranium Recovery Project, Casper,
Wyoming, Opportunity To Request a Hearing 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 August 15, 2008.
Federal Register: June 16, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 116) p. 34052-34056
(download full text )
On Feb. 1, 2008, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission announced that the application from Uranerz Energy Corporation to construct and operate an in-situ leach (ISL) uranium recovery facility at their Nichols Ranch Site in Campbell and Johnson Counties, Wyo., is available on the agency's Web site for public viewing.
> View NRC release Feb. 1, 2008
On Dec. 19, 2007, Uranerz Energy Corporation announced that it has submitted applications to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the Land Quality Division of the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality for licenses and permits to construct and operate in-situ leach uranium facilities on its Nichols Ranch and Hank projects located in the central Powder River Basin of Wyoming.
> Download application documents (ADAMS Acc. No. ML080080594)
On July 6, 2006, NRC held a pre-licensing meeting with Uranerz Energy Corporation to discuss potential uranium recovery applications for its Nichols Ranch uranium in-situ leach project.
Uranerz Energy Corporation ("Uranerz") is planning to construct and operate a uranium in situ recovery (ISR) facility with the name Nichols Ranch ISR Project that incorporates two production units; the Nichols Ranch ISR Main Unit
consisting of a complete processing facility and in situ recovery mine, and the
Hank ISR Satellite Unit consisting of an ion exchange facility and an in situ
recovery mine. The Nichols Ranch Unit processing facility will have the capacity
to produce approximately 750,000 pounds of dry yellow cake product (288 t U) per year. It is planned that approximately half of this amount will originate from the Nichols Ranch ore body while the remaining half will be produced from the Hank ore body.
Uranerz is planning to submit the license application in the second quarter of 2007 and start operation in 2009.
(NRC) (NRC)
Doubling of processing capacity at Lost Creek uranium in situ leach mine project to accommodate alternate feed:
Lost Creek ISR, LLC (LCI) is proposing to install two rotary vacuum
dryers in the pre-existing space that was made available in the Central
Processing Plant (CPP), and requesting to increase their production
rate at the facility from 455,000 kilograms (kg) [1 million pounds
(lb)] to up to 909,000 kg [2 million lb] of dry yellowcake per year.
The licensee intends to increase production of yellowcake at the
facility by accepting equivalent feed including loaded (uranium-laden)
resin from other uranium recovery facilities, including potential
future satellite facilities, but has not requested a license amendment
to increase the flow rate at the Lost Creek wellfields.
> Federal Register Volume 78, Number 64 (Wednesday, April 3, 2013) p. 20146-20148 (download full text )
> Download Final Environmental Assessment for the Lost Creek in-situ uranium recovery facility license amendment for rotary vacuum dryer installation , March 2013
> Access Docket ID NRC-2008-0391
On April 22, 2013, NRC issued the requested license amendment.
> Download Amendment No. 1 to Source Materials License SUA-1598
Advance payment on future uranium sales keeps construction of Lost Creek uranium in situ leach mine project going: On March 25, 2013, Ur-Energy Inc. announced the closing of a uranium sales transaction that provides an immediate payment to the company of approximately US$ 5.1 million. Proceeds from the transaction will support the ongoing construction at the company's Lost Creek Project.
Conservation group sues BLM over Lost Creek uranium in situ leach mine project:
The Biodiversity Conservation Alliance , a Laramie-based wildlife protection group, filed suit against the Bureau of Land Management on Friday (Nov. 9). The group claims that construction of the recently approved Lost Creek uranium facility is infringing on sage grouse breeding grounds inside a core protection area.
In the suit, the group claims that the BLM failed to abide by both a Wyoming executive order and the agency's own sage grouse policy in approving plans for the site.
(Star Tribune Nov. 09, 2012)
Court denies request to halt construction of Lost Creek uranium in situ leach mine:
On March 1, 2013 the U.S. District Court for Wyoming denied the petitioner's motion for preliminary injunction, which had sought to halt the ongoing construction and operations at the Lost Creek Project. (Ur-Energy Inc. Mar. 4, 2013)
Construction started at Lost Creek uranium in situ leach mine project: On Oct. 31, 2012, Ur-Energy Inc. announced the initiation of construction activities at its wholly-owned Lost Creek ISR uranium project in Sweetwater County, Wyoming.
BLM approves Lost Creek Uranium In Situ Recovery Project:
> Download Record of Decision (ROD), Oct. 5, 2012: BLM
BLM announces availability of Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Lost Creek Uranium In Situ Recovery Project:
Comments received from the public on the Draft EIS and internal BLM
review were considered and incorporated as appropriate into the Final
EIS. Public comments resulted in the addition of clarifying text, but
did not significantly change proposed decisions.
> Federal Register Volume 77, Number 160 (Friday, August 17, 2012) p. 49825-49826 (download full text )
> Download Final EIS: BLM · NRC ADAMS
Lost Creek in situ leach uranium mine to be expanded: On June 27, 2012, Lost Creek ISR, LLC notified the NRC of its intent to submit an amendment request to the current Lost Creek License to include in situ uranium recovery from the recently acquired LC East claims. The company anticipates submitting the amendment request in October of 2013.
Wyoming DEQ issues Draft Permit for Lost Creek uranium in situ leach mine for comment:
Comments submitted by email will not be considered.
All written comments received prior to 5:00 P.M, July 15, 2012 in the Cheyenne office will be considered.
> Download WY DEQ Public Notice June 16, 2012 (PDF)
> Download Draft Underground Injection Control Permit , May 25, 2012 (PDF)
BLM announces availability of Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Lost Creek Uranium In Situ Recovery Project:
The comment period ends on June 11, 2012.
> Federal Register Volume 77, Number 82 (Friday, April 27, 2012) Pages 25193-25194 (download full text )
> Download Draft EIS (BLM)
On Mar. 29, 2012, Ur-Energy USA Inc. notified the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission of its intent to apply for a license amendment that would allow in situ uranium recovery from the KM Geologic Horizon at the Lost Creek Property. Lost Creek ISR, LLC anticipates having the document ready for submittal to the NRC in December 2012.
On Dec. 20, 2011, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) granted approval to Ur-Energy USA Inc. to construct two holding ponds for the Lost Creek In-Situ Recovery Uranium Project.
> View Lost Creek In Situ Uranium Recovery Rad NESHAPs Construction Approval: Notice of Approval (EPA Region 8)
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) won't decide on Lost Creek uranium mine until next year: Ur-Energy has gotten approval from Wyoming regulators and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for its Lost Cabin [?!] uranium site in Sweetwater County. It still needs to get permission from the BLM. The BLM expects to issue an impact statement that the public can comment on in March and to make a decision in June. (Billings Gazette Oct. 25, 2011)
On Oct. 24, 2011, UR-Energy Inc. announced that the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality has issued a Permit to Mine for the Company's Lost Creek in-situ recovery (“ISR”) uranium project located in Sweetwater County. The State permit authorizes Ur-Energy to construct and operate the Lost Creek ISR uranium mine facilities, including the first mine unit.
On Aug. 17, 2011, NRC issued the license for the Lost Creek in-situ recovery project.
> Download NRC release Aug. 17, 2011 (PDF)
> Download NRC cover letter Aug. 17, 2011 (PDF)
> Download Materials License , Aug. 17, 2011 (PDF)
> Download Safety Evaluation Report , August 2011 (23.7M PDF)
> Federal Register: August 26, 2011 (Volume 76, Number 166) p. 53500-53501 (download full text )
On Aug. 11, 2011, NRC issued another revised draft license for the Lost Creek in-situ recovery project.
> Download Revised Draft License (ADAMS Acc. No. ML112280011)
On July 12, 2011, NRC issued a revised draft license for the Lost Creek in-situ recovery project.
> Download Revised Draft License (ADAMS Acc. No. ML111890481)
On June 16, 2011, NRC released the final Supplement to the Generic Environmental Impact Statement (GEIS NUREG-1910 ) for the Lost Creek ISR Project. The NRC has determined there are no major environmental impacts that would preclude licensing the project.
> Download Environmental Impact Statement for the Lost Creek ISR Project in Sweetwater County, Wyoming, Supplement to the Generic Environmental Impact Statement for In-Situ Leach Uranium Milling Facilities, Final Report , June 2011 (36.1MB PDF, ADAMS Acc. No. ML11125A006)
> Download NRC release June 17, 2011 (PDF)
Federal Register: June 24, 2011 (Volume 76, Number 122) p. 37160-37161 (download full text )
A representative of Ur Energy says the company hopes the Lost Creek uranium mine in Sweetwater County will be up and running sometime in 2012. (Billings Gazette May 22, 2011)
On May 5, 2011, NRC issued a revised draft license for the Lost Creek in-situ recovery project.
> Download Revised Draft License (ADAMS Acc. No. ML111120311)
BLM issues Notice of Intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed Lost Creek in situ uranium recovery project. This notice initiates the public scoping process for the EIS.
Comments on issues may be submitted in writing until March 14, 2011.
Federal Register: February 11, 2011 (Volume 76, Number 29) p. 7877-7878 (download full text )
On Jan. 12, 2011, Ur-Energy Inc. announced that the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has issued the draft Source and Byproduct Materials License Number SUA-1598 for its Lost Creek in-situ recovery project located in Sweetwater County, Wyoming.
> Download Draft License (ADAMS Acc. No. ML103340234)
On July 19, 2010, the Wyoming DEQ issued a Notice of Violation to Lost Creek ISR LLC for multiple violations identified at a June 7, 2010, inspection: failure to cover or fence an open mud pit at a drill hole site, and failure to separate and protect topsoil.
> Download Notice of Violation NOV #4697-10, July 19, 2010 (227k PDF - WY DEQ)
In a settlement agreement reached on Oct. 28, 2010, Lost Creek ISR LLC agreed to pay a penalty of US$ 2000.
> Download Settlement Agreement (70k PDF - WY DEQ)
NRC issues Notice of Availability of Environmental Assessment and Finding of
No Significant Impact for an Exemption to the Part 40 Commencement of Construction Requirements, Lost Creek ISR, LLC, Sweetwater County, WY.
Federal Register: April 5, 2010 (Volume 75, Number 64) p. 17167-17169 (download full text )
> Download Final Environmental Assessment, March 25, 2010 (ADAMS Acc. No. ML093350677)
> Download Final Technical Evaluation Report, March 25, 2010 (ADAMS Acc. No. ML093350365)
EPA raises concern over planned deep disposal wells for Wyoming uranium in situ leach projects: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is expressing concern about potential contamination of aquifers from three proposed in-situ uranium mines in Wyoming. The EPA has told the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to go back revisit its environmental reviews of the proposed mines. Carol Rushin, of the EPA's Region 8 office, notes that the three proposed Wyoming mines would not inject wastewater deep enough to avoid underground drinking water formations. Industry officials say there are other treatment options for wastewater disposal but injection is the most economic. (Casper Star Tribune Mar. 26, 2010)
The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) invites public comment on the Draft Permit for the deep disposal wells proposed for the Lost Creek uranium in situ leach facility.
Public comments are invited on or before April 26, 2010.
> Download Public Notice March 26, 2010 (PDF - WY DEQ)
> Download Draft Permit (PDF - WY DEQ)
> Download Final Permit May 28, 2010 (PDF - WY DEQ)
> Download DEQ Response to Comments Received During the Public Comment Period (PDF - WY DEQ)
> Download Summary of Analysis and Map (PDF - WY DEQ)
On Dec. 18, 2009, Lost Creek ISR, LLC submitted to the Wyoming DEQ the Mine Unit 1 Data Package for the Lost Creek Permit to Mine Application.
> Download Submittal of the MU 1 Data Package for the Lost Creek Permit to Mine Application - TFN 4 6/268
On Dec. 7, 2009, NRC released the draft Supplement to the Generic Environmental Impact Statement (GEIS NUREG-1910 ) for the Lost Creek ISR Project for comment. Comments are invited by March 3, 2010 (Comment period extended).
> View NRC release Jan. 29, 2010
> Federal Register: February 5, 2010 (Volume 75, Number 24) p. 6068-6069 (download full text )
> View NRC release Dec. 11, 2009
> Federal Register: December 11, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 237) p. 65804-65806 (download full text )
> Download NUREG-1910, Supp 3, DFC, Environmental Impact Statement for the Lost Creek ISR Project in Sweetwater County, Wyoming, Supplement to the Generic Environmental Impact Statement for In-Situ Leach Uranium Milling Facilities (24.1MB PDF, ADAMS Acc. No. ML093350051)
On December 1, 2009, the Sweetwater County Commissioners unanimously approved the Development Plan for the Lost Creek Project. The Development Plan describes in detail the infrastructure and facilities which will be constructed at the planned uranium ISR production site. (Ur-Energy Inc. Dec. 3, 2009)
On Nov. 9, 2009, NRC issued a Notice of Availability of Draft Environmental Assessment and Opportunity To Provide Comments for Exemption Request for the Lost Creek In-Situ Recovery Project.
Issuance of the requested exemption would authorize Lost Creek ISR, LLC to conduct certain site preparation activities at, and in, the vicinity of its proposed ISR site. Based on the draft EA, the NRC staff proposes to make a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) regarding the requested exemption.
Comments regarding this draft Environmental Assessment must be received by December 9, 2009.
Federal Register: November 9, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 215) p. 57712-57715
(download full text )
On Aug. 25, 2009, NRC issued a Notice of Intent To Prepare a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement for the Lost Creek In-Situ Recovery Project.
Federal Register: September 3, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 170) p. 45656-45657 (download fullt text )
On July 2, 2009, Ur-Energy Inc. submitted to NRC an exemption request to allow pre-license construction at the Lost Creek In-Situ Uranium Project.
On July 3, 2008, NRC issued a Notice of License Application of Lost Creek ISR, LLC, for a New In Situ Leach Uranium Recovery Facility at the Lost Creek Site,
Sweetwater County, Wyoming, and Opportunity to Request a Hearing.
A request for a hearing must be filed by September 8, 2008.
> View NRC release July 10, 2008
Federal Register: July 10, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 133) p. 39728-39731 (download full text )
On Mar. 20, 2008, Ur-Energy Inc. submitted to NRC its completed application for the Lost Creek in-situ recovery project.
On Dec. 20, 2007, Ur-Energy Inc announced that it has submitted an Application for In Situ Permit to Mine and Application for License to Mine to the State of Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality Land Quality Division (WDEQ) for its Lost Creek Project in northeastern Sweetwater County, Wyoming.
On Oct. 31, 2007, Ur-Energy Inc announced that it has submitted its application to the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission for a Source Material License for its Lost Creek uranium in-situ leach project.
> Download application documents (ADAMS Acc.No. ML073190539)
> View NRC release Dec. 7, 2007
On Dec. 15, 2005, Ur-Energy Inc. released the Environmental and Social Due Diligence Report, for its Lost Soldier and Lost Creek Claim Areas in Wyoming. Ur-Energy hopes to have the projects permitted and operating within three years.
> Download: Environmental and Social Due Diligence Report, Great Divide Basin ISL Uranium Project, Lost Soldier and Lost Creek Claim Areas, Wyoming , prepared by AATA International, Inc. (14.5M PDF) · alternate source (SEDAR)
On Mar. 29, 2012, Ur-Energy Inc informed the Nuclear Regulatory Commission that the amendment request for the Lost Soldier Project will not be submitted for agency review until at least the spring of 2013.
On Nov. 1, 2010, Ur-Energy Inc notified the Nuclear Regulatory Commission of its intent to submit an amendment request to include the Lost Soldier project as a satellite to the Lost Creek project in March 2012.
On Mar. 2, 2009, Ur-Energy Inc notified the Nuclear Regulatory Commission of its intent to submit an amendment request to include the Lost Soldier project in the Lost Creek project, once the license for the latter will be issued.
On Mar. 21, 2008, Ur-Energy Inc notified the Nuclear Regulatory Commission of its intent to submit a Source Material License Application by December 19, 2008 for the Lost Soldier Project located in the extreme northeast corner of Sweetwater County, Wyoming.
On Dec. 15, 2005, Ur-Energy Inc. released the Environmental and Social Due Diligence Report, for its Lost Soldier and Lost Creek Claim Areas in Wyoming. Ur-Energy hopes to have the projects permitted and operating within three years.
> Download: Environmental and Social Due Diligence Report, Great Divide Basin ISL Uranium Project, Lost Soldier and Lost Creek Claim Areas, Wyoming , prepared by AATA International, Inc. (14.5M PDF) · alternate source (SEDAR)
On Jan. 30, 2013, Energy Fuels Resources (USA) Inc. notified NRC of its intent to submit a complete license application for the Sheep Mountain Project in the 4th quarter of 2013.
Updated preliminary feasibility study announced for Sheep Mountain uranium mine project:
On Mar. 1, 2012, Energy Fuels Inc. announced that it has completed an update to the Preliminary Feasibility Study (PFS), originally reported by the Company's wholly owned subsidiary Titan Uranium on April 12, 2010, for Energy Fuels' 100% owned Sheep Mountain uranium project in Fremont County, Wyoming.
> Calculate Mine Feasibility
Production start at Sheep Mountain uranium mine expected in 2014: Titan Uranium expects to produce about 1.5 million pounds of yellowcake (processed uranium ore) [577 t U] a year for 11 years, with production starting in 2014. (Wyoming Business Report Nov. 9, 2011)
BLM initiates public scoping process for Sheep Mountain uranium mine and sulfuric acid heap leach project:
the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Lander Field Office, Wyoming, intends to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and is announcing the beginning of the scoping process to solicit public comments regarding issues and resource information for the proposed Sheep Mountain Uranium Project in Fremont County, Wyoming. The project is a conventional uranium exploration and development project employing open pit and underground mining methods and using sulfuric acid heap leach methods for uranium recovery. Individual heaps would be reclaimed in-place after the ore has been fully leached, rinsed of leachate, and drained.
Comments should be received by October 6, 2011.
> Federal Register: August 23, 2011 (Volume 76, Number 163) p. 52688-52690 (download full text )
> Access BLM Lander Field Office project website
On July 6, 2011, Titan Uranium Inc. announced that it has submitted a revised Plan of Operations (POO) to the US Bureau of Land Management (BLM). This submittal allows the BLM Lander Field Office to develop an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for this project. It is anticipated that the EIS will take between 12 and 18 months to complete.
> Download: Plan of Operations Vol. 1 (2.6MB PDF) · Vol. 2 (7.9MB PDF) (BLM)
On May 31, 2011, Titan Uranium Inc. notified the NRC that "Based on current projections, Titan believes that it will submit its license application on or about the end of October 2011."
On June 15, 2010, Titan Uranium Inc. announced that it has commenced permitting and licencing at its 100% owned Sheep Mountain uranium project in Fremont County, Wyoming. Baseline environmental studies have been initiated in support of application for a Source Material Licence with the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). In addition, a revision to the existing Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (WDEQ) Mine Permit will be completed, as well as a Plan of Operations for the US Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Field data acquisition is underway, and the project is on target for a projected second quarter of 2011 submission of the NRC application.
On Apr. 12, 2010, Titan Uranium Inc. announced that it has completed a positive Preliminary Feasibility Study (PFS) for its Sheep Mountain uranium project.
On Feb. 16, 2010, Titan Uranium Inc. notified the NRC of its intent to submit a license application for a conventional uranium milling (heap leach) facility at the Sheep Mountain project site by April 2011.
On Oct. 15, 2009, Titan Uranium Inc announced that it has commenced a prefeasibility study on the Sheep Mountain uranium deposit in Fremont County, Wyoming.
On Oct. 1, 2009, Titan Uranium Inc. announced that it has closed the previously announced agreement with Uranium One Inc. to acquire the 50% interest held by Uranium One in the Sheep Mountain property, Fremont County, Wyoming. This will result in Titan holding a 100% interest in the property.
On Sep. 10, 2007, Uranium Power Corp. announced that BRS Inc. has been hired to execute a preliminary feasibility study for the proposed reopening of the Sheep Mountain mine, as well as for the potential North Gap open pit on the same property. BRS will also carry out any permitting work that may be required for the open pit and for a possible heap leach operation on the property.
U.S. Energy Corp. and Bell Coast Capital Corp. are planning to revive their idle Sheep Mountain mines in Fremont County within 18 months. The companies estimate the total deposit at 14 million lb U3O8 [5385 t U], forecasting yearly output at 1.5 million lb U3O8 [577 t U]. The production cost is estimated at around $14 per lb U3O8. (Reuters Feb. 8, 2005)
On July 6, 2005, however, Uranium Power Corp. (ex Bell Coast Capital Corp.) stated "that there are no current mineral resources or reserves on the properties currently optioned by our Company".
(Taipower) invited international bids for its sale of uranium properties in Arizona and Wyoming, jointly owned with RME Holding Co of the US. The properties include deposits with proven uranium reserves, established exploration targets, some with ore-grade mineralization, and properties with untested exploration potential. Bids will be accepted until September 10, 2002. Taipower wants to sell the mines because uranium prices on the world market have fallen. (Taipei Times August 9, 2002)
> View deposit data
On May 13, 2013, Cameco announced that its new North Butte in situ uranium mine in Campbell County, Wyoming, began production.
North Butte is a satellite facility to the company's Smith Ranch-Highland in situ mine in Converse County, Wyoming. Uranium-bearing resin from North Butte will be transported to an existing central processing plant at Smith Ranch-Highland for production of uranium concentrate.
North Butte is expected to contribute approximately 300,000 pounds of uranium concentrate [115 t U] in 2013 and ramp up to a target annual production rate of more than 700,000 pounds [269 t U] per year by 2015.
On April 3, 2013, the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality authorized Cameco Resources to commence lixiviant injection in the Unit I Well Field at the North Butte Mine, Permit No. 632.
On July 5, 2012, Cameco Resources sent NRC an Advanced Notification of Construction of a Satellite Facility at its North Butte Properties.
On March 31, 2006, PRI filed an application for commercial operation of the North Butte ISL project as a satellite facility to the Smith Ranch ISL mine.
On November 30, 2001, Power Resources, Inc. acquired the North Butte / Ruth in situ leach uranium project from Pathfinder Mines.
The Ruth Project is licensed for commercial ISL uranium activities, however, none has been initiated. The existing buildings and evaporation ponds, along with a few remaining wells, are left from research and development testing conducted by Uranerz, USA, one of the previous licensees. The facilities at the project are non-operational and on stand-by status.
The North Butte Project is also licensed for commercial ISL uranium operations, however, construction of facilities has not commenced and is currently on hold.
Positive Preliminary Feasibility Study announced for Reno Creek uranium project:
On Jan. 31, 2013, Bayswater Uranium Corporation reported that AUC LLC, an associate that holds and operates the Reno Creek In Situ Recovery Uranium Project, has received a positive technical and economic study (the "Preliminary Feasibility Study" or "PFS") for the Reno Creek Project.
On Apr. 2, 2013, Bayswater announced an amendment to the PFS.
> Calculate Mine Feasibility
State issues draft permit for deep disposal wells at Reno Creek uranium in situ leach project:
On Nov. 26, 2012, Wyoming DEQ issued a draft permit #09-621 for AUC, LLC's construction and operation of four non-hazardous Class I waste disposal deep injection wells at the Reno Creek Facility. The company proposes to inject non-hazardous industrial wastes associated with uranium mining activities at a maximum injection rate of 2,400 barrels per day for each well into the Teapot and Parkman Sandstones of the Mesaverde Formation. The four wells will inject at depths between 7,572 and 8,380 feet below ground surface.
The public is invited to comment on this draft permit until December 26, 2012.
> Download WY DEQ Public Notice, Nov. 21, 2012 (PDF)
> Download Draft Permit 09-621, Nov. 26, 2012 (PDF)
On Oct. 5, 2012, NRC received the license application for the Reno Creek in situ leach uranium mine project. NRC released first sections of the license application, including Technical and Environmental Report, on Oct. 31. 2012.
> Download Reno Creek In Situ Leach Uranium Recovery Project Application for Combined Source and 11e.(2) Byproduct Materials License
On June 3, 2010, Bayswater Uranium Corporation reported that the company has commenced baseline environmental studies at its Reno Creek in-situ recovery (ISR) Uranium Project in the Powder River Basin, Wyoming. The environmental baseline studies are required support for the company's application to obtain a Source and Byproduct Material License from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and a Permit to Mine from the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (WDEQ).
On Apr. 9, 2010, Bayswater Uranium Corp.'s subsidiary NCA Nuclear Inc. notified the NRC of its intention to submit a license application for Reno Creek by the end of 2011.
On Oct. 5, 2009, Bayswater Uranium Corp. announced that it has received a positive Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) on the Reno Creek Uranium Project.
On Sep. 10, 2009, Bayswater Uranium Corp. announced that it has commissioned a Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) for the development of the Reno Creek Uranium Project.
On Aug. 24, 2009, Strathmore announced that is to sell the Pine Tree-Reno Creek Uranium Project to Bayswater Uranium Corp.
On March 18, 2009, Strathmore notified the NRC that it anticipates the submittal of the license application in the late fall of 2010.
On March 21, 2008, Strathmore notified NRC of its intent to file a license application for the Reno Creek project.
In fiscal 2001, International Uranium Corp. sold the Reno Creek In Situ Leach (ISL) Uranium Project to Rio Algom.
On July 22, 1999, International Uranium Corp. withdrew its license application for the Reno Creek In Situ Leach (ISL) Uranium Extraction Project. (Federal Register, Aug. 5, 1999 )
In 1996, Energy Fuels Nuclear (predecessor of IUC) had requested NRC staff restart of the license application. [NRC Weekly Information Report for the week ending August 28, 1996, SECY 96-186]
> View BLM release July 1, 2008
> View Reynolds Ranch ISR Uranium Project documents (BLM Casper Field Office)
(ADAMS Accession No. ML062690386))
SXR Uranium One Inc. has been selected by Rio Tinto Energy America, Inc. ("RTEA"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rio Tinto plc, as the preferred bidder for RTEA's Sweetwater Uranium Mill and associated Green Mountain uranium properties located in south-central Wyoming. (SXR July 10, 2006)
Until September 11, 2000, Crested Corp. / US Energy owned a 50% interest in the GMMV, but sold their interest to Kennecott.
The development of the Jackpot mine has been suspended on July 31, 1998. US Energy/Crested fears that the uranium price will drop drastically as a consequence of the privatization of U.S. Enrichment Corp. The new USEC Inc. has announced it plans to sell its uranium inventory of 75 million pounds (29000 t U) over the next few years to pay down its indebtedness. [Reuters July 31, 1998]
The Green Mountain Mining Venture (GMMV) has been given a construction permit for the Jackpot, Wyoming, underground uranium mine. Kennecott Uranium and USECC (comprising US Energy Corp and its subsidiary, Crested
Corp) are partners in the joint venture. The Jackpot deposit
contains over 52 million pounds of uranium (20,000 tU). [UI News
Briefing 96/26]
BLM invites comment on draft EIS for Cameco's Gas Hills uranium in situ leach project, including Resource Protection Alternative (!): The Draft Environmental Impact Statement addresses the direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts of the Proposed Action and two alternatives including the No Action Alternative and the Resource Protection Alternative.
"Under the Resource Protection Alternative, the project would utilize the same ISR process occurring over the same time period as the Proposed Action, but modifications to the project would reduce surface disturbance and heavy truck transportation. Modifications would include on-site resin processing to produce slurry, submittal of an annual development plan, construction timing constraints, a disturbance offset for an additional satellite facility, reduced number of evaporation ponds, enhanced reclamation, and power line burial."The comment period ends on January 31, 2013 (comment period extended).
))Cameco expects to start production at Gas Hills in 2014. (Wyoming Business Report Nov. 9, 2011)
Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended, (NEPA) and in response to a proposal filed by Power Resources Inc., doing business as Cameco Resources (Cameco), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announces its intention to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and to solicit public comments regarding issues and resource information for the proposed Gas Hills in situ recovery (ISR) Uranium Project, Fremont County and Natrona County, Wyoming. The project is a uranium exploration and development project.
Comments should be received by Oct. 21, 2010.
> Federal Register: September 7, 2010 (Volume 75, Number 172) p. 54384-54385 (download full text )
> View BLM Lander Field Office documents
Power Resources, Inc. (PRI) submitted an application for a license to construct and operate a new in situ uranium mine at Gas Hills, Wyoming. PRI wants to operate it as a satellite of its Highland facility. Production is scheduled to start in 1998.
[Federal Register: August 21, 1996 (Vol.61, No.163), p.43267-43268, download via GPO Access]
On Feb. 26, 2003, NRC issued a related "Notice of Amendment Request for Proposed Operation of the Gas Hills Project in situ Leach Uranium Recovery Facility, Freemont and Natrona Counties, WY, and Opportunity To Provide Comments and To Request a Hearing".
Federal Register Feb. 26, 2003 (Vol. 68, No. 38) p. 8941-8942 (download full text )
On August 18, 2003, NRC approved PRI’s request to integrate the Highland license into the Smith Ranch Source Materials License SUA-1548.
On Jan. 14, 2004, NRC staff completed an environmental assessment (EA) of the potential impacts associated with the operation of the Gas Hills Project satellite in situ leach uranium recovery facility, and the staff has concluded that the proposed licensing action will not have a significant impact on
the environment. Accordingly, the staff issued a notice to signify a Finding of No Significant Impact.
Federal Register: January 22, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 14) p. 3184-3185 (download full text )
is staking claims in the Powder River Basin of Wyoming. Aspen officials estimate reserves of approximately 11,500 tU with in situ production costs of around US$ 8 per pound. [UI News Briefing 96/38]
Cotter Corp. is pursuing a production permit for its Charlie property in the Powder River Basin. Production is expected to start in 2000. [UI News Briefing 96/38]
On March 18, 2009, Strathmore informed the NRC that the project has been placed on indefinite hold.
On June 16, 2008, the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality issued a Notice of Violation to Strathmore Resources U.S. Ltd. for numerous violations connected to exploration activities at the Sky ISL project site (topsoil and subsoil inadequately separated, topsoil contaminated, failure to securely cover boreholes, poorly maintained fencing, etc.).
On Aug. 26, 2008, Strathmore agreed to pay a $18,000 fine.
> Download NOV #4292-08 · Settlement Agreement Aug. 26, 2008 (PDF)
On Apr. 10, 2007, Strathmore announced it has entered into a letter of intent with Yellowcake Mining Inc. to finance the development of Strathmore's Sky project located in the Gas Hills Uranium District in Fremont County, Wyoming. Sky is Strathmore's first project in Wyoming to begin data collection activities for permitting purposes. The intent is to develop the Sky project as a satellite ISR operation. The property comprises 50 unpatented mining claims totaling 418 hectares (1,033 acres).
On March 2, 2007, Strathmore Minerals Corp. announced that permitting activities have been initiated on the Company's third uranium recovery project: the Sky ISR project.
| HOME WISE Uranium Project > Mining & Milling > Issues > New Uranium Mining Projects - USA > |