Are they mining uranium in the Grand Canyon?
The public lands surrounding Grand Canyon National Park contain high concentrations of uranium ore. Mining bores deep into vertical rock formations called “breccia pipes,” making uranium soluble to groundwater and risking pollution to Grand Canyon’s biologically rich springs.
How does uranium mining affect the Grand Canyon?
Groundwater movement under the Grand Canyon watershed is impossible to predict, so uranium mining threatens the area’s water supply. The groundwater of the park and that of the surrounding area – which includes the land of the Havasupai Tribe – could become contaminated with uranium and other toxic substances.
Did the uranium boom affect Utah?
A frenzied uranium boom swept up southern Utah in the 1950s. The boom had a long term impact on the health of countless miners. On July 6, 1952, a down-on-his-luck uranium prospector named Charlie Steen made a major strike near Moab, Utah.
Who owns the uranium mines in the Grand Canyon?
Energy Fuels Resources
“We are of course pleased that the 9th Circuit ruled in favor of the Forest Service, so we can advance this clean energy resource under the watchful eye of our state and federal regulators,” said Curtis Moore, vice president of marketing and corporate development at Energy Fuels Resources, which owns the mine.
How many uranium mines are in the Grand Canyon?
There are about 600 existing uranium mining claims in the area covered by the legislation. The conservation group Grand Canyon Trust said the House vote represents a key step for those who have fought for years to protect the watershed from the effects of uranium mining.
When did uranium mining start in the Grand Canyon?
In 1946, he sold the mine, and in 1951, Harry C. Granger discovered uranium in it, making the Orphan Mine the first uranium mine in Grand Canyon National Park. The first lode of uranium was extracted and transported from the Orphan Mine in April, 1956, and the mine continued to extract ore for 13 years.
Why should uranium mining be banned?
Uranium mining poses a serious risk to wildlife and to the people who live in the region, as well as those who enjoy hunting, fishing, hiking and camping there.
Who owns the uranium mines in Utah?
Energy Fuels Inc.
The Henry Mountains Complex (including the Tony M mine) has an indicated resource of 12.8 million pounds (5,800 tonnes) of uranium at a grade of 0.27% U3O8. In 2012 Energy Fuels Inc. acquired all of Denison Mines uranium properties located in the United States, including the White Mesa Mill.
Is uranium still mined in Utah?
Currently, all of Utah’s old uranium mines remain closed except for the Pandora mine near La Sal in eastern San Juan County and the Tony M mine near Ticaboo in southeastern Garfield County. The Pandora mine renewed operations in December 2006 and is currently producing at a rate of about 100 tons of ore per day.
How much does a uranium miner make?
While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $133,500 and as low as $23,500, the majority of Uranium Mining salaries currently range between $42,500 (25th percentile) to $94,500 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $120,000 annually across the United States.
How many deaths are caused by uranium mining?
We found strong evidence for an increased risk for lung cancer in white uranium miners. We expected about 64 deaths, but found 371. This means we found about 6 times more lung cancer deaths than expected.
Why is uranium found in Utah?
Following World War II buying for nuclear weapons programs made uranium valuable for its own sake, and attracted hundreds of prospectors to southeast Utah.