Uranium mining to start at Utah, Colorado sites

Uranium mining will resume at two underground mines on claims in Grand County, Utah, and Mesa County, Colo., the Bureau of Land Management said Friday.

The BLM approved the proposed Whirlwind uranium mine, which is made up of the two claims on public lands five miles southwest of Gateway, Colo. After completing an environmental assessment of Colorado-based Energy Fuels Resources' proposal, the BLM noted the approval of the claims requires "protective measures and strict monitoring and reporting."

Starting later this year and continuing for about 10 years, the mining company will take between 100 and 200 tons of uranium ore per day from the mine. The ore will be trucked to Blanding for processing.

Energy Fuels Resources was also required to apply for a conditional-use permit from Mesa County in Colorado. County officials approved the application earlier this year. The Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety last February approved an operating permit for the mining company.