NUNN, Colo. - Residents are mounting opposition to a $20
million uranium mine that has been proposed on 5,760 acres in this
farming and ranching region about 70 miles north of Denver.
Powertech Uranium Corp. officials believe the mine could
produce as much as 8 million pounds of uranium for use in nuclear
power plants, which could generate millions of dollars in
revenue.
Powertech is also drilling uranium exploration holes in
southwestern South Dakota and is exploring a uranium-processing
facility in Wyoming.
Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Powertech is working to
obtain federal and state permits with an eye toward opening the
mine in 2009.
Area residents, however, are concerned about environmental
damage and potential health issues.
Jay and Robin Davis, who own an 80-acre horse pasture in the
area, are afraid the mine would contaminate groundwater and soil.
"A lot of people just don't want to see this happen," Jay Davis
said. "We're very concerned about the health issues once the mining
starts."
Richard Blubaugh, Powertech's vice president of environmental
health and safety resources, said they plan to use a process in
which a solvent solution is injected underground to dissolve the
uranium so it could be pumped to the surface.
He said the process, called in-situ, is safer and less
invasive than traditional mining methods.
"There is no likelihood of contaminating drinking water. We'll
certainly be able to contain the process," Blubaugh said. "We plan
to use good engineering, proper instrumentation, good operator
training, and have a series of groundwater-monitoring wells."
