Energy Fuels Inc. has been granted approval by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment for a radioactive materials license for the 500 ton per day Piñon Ridge Mill facility to be constructed twelve miles west of Naturita, Colorado in western Montrose County.
The license approval is the most significant hurdle to be completed before Energy Fuels is allowed to build and operate the first conventional uranium mill to be constructed in the US in 30 years, and contribute to the rapidly growing global demand for nuclear fuel to generate emission-free electrical power.
Steve Tarlton, manager of the Radiation Program for CDPHE stated that “Energy Fuels has demonstrated that it can build and operate the mill in a manner that is protective of both human health and environment. Our comprehensive review considered short- and long-term impacts of the proposed mill, including radiological and non-radiological impacts to water, air and wildlife, as well as economic, social and transportation-related impacts.”
Steve Antony, president and CEO of Energy Fuels commented: “With this major accomplishment, the company now has a clear pathway to new conventional uranium production in the US and we will be shifting our focus to project financing, product sales and long-term strategic relationships with potential uranium buyers.”
Energy Fuels has two fully permitted nearby uranium mines, the Energy Queen and the Whirlwind which are currently on a care and maintenance program. The targeted production rate from these mines is approximately 450 tons per day and these mines will be the source of most of the uranium/vanadium ore for the new mill.
Energy Fuels estimates that there is more than 40 years of mill feed, at a production rate of 500 tons per day, within economic trucking distance of the mill. In anticipation of a positive decision, the company has already begun to consolidate certain known mines and deposits in the area and is in advanced discussions with other parties to acquire additional properties or arrange toll-milling agreements for their ore.
The Piñon Ridge Mill, when constructed, will create 85 direct jobs at the site, along with 230 new jobs to be created in mining, transportation, and support services. It will produce about 850,000 lbs per year of yellowcake or U3O8, enough to provide the annual fuel requirement for a city 1½ times the size of Denver, Colorado.
