New rules take effect for Colorado uranium mines

[phantom power]

DENVER — New rules for uranium mining in Colorado are now in effect.

State lawmakers passed three bills in 2008 that prompted the changes, and the new rules took effect Thursday.

The legislation was aimed at protecting groundwater during in-situ uranium mining, which involves injecting a chemical mixture into a site to draw uranium out. The laws also updated mining fees and pushed for disclosure of more information during prospecting activities.

Now, all uranium mines must have detailed environmental protection plans. Applicants for in-situ leach uranium mines have to show the technology they want to use has been used before without harming groundwater quality, and they can't be in violation at another operation.

Read more at the San Francisco Examiner: http://www.sfexaminer.com/local/ap/new-rules-take-effect-for-colorado-uranium-mines-104115183.html#ixzz117QYGLu8

[ensho]

1. great news

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