Reno Creek uranium-mining project clears EPA, Wyoming regulatory hurdle

AUC LLC said this week that its Reno Creek uranium-mining project has received final Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (WDEQ) approval to begin mining operations at the site, near Wright, Wyoming through the state's granting of an Aquifer Exemption.

The EPA said the zone of exemption that was sought for the project is not a source of drinking water, and the WDEQ said any fluid from the project would remain in the exempt area. This exemption and the fact that no public commentary was submitted to the state during its open-comment period spurred the final decision. Overall, the mining facility's operations are expected to have little environmental impact, the WDEQ said.

AUC said the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is in the process of drafting a supplemental environmental impact statement and a source-material license for the facility.

AUC focuses on the development and operation of in situ recovery (ISR) uranium mines.