A Canadian uranium-mining firm has acquired options to nearly double the surface area of a proposed Weld County mine.
The expansion would increase the mine’s output and already is raising additional concerns by nearby residents who fear environmental damage from underground uranium extraction.
Powertech Uranium Corp. said the 3,585 acres of land options would bring its surface ownership to 7,262 acres, along with mineral rights on 9,615 acres.
The combined properties northeast of Fort Collins have estimated resources of 12.8 million pounds of uranium oxide, or yellowcake, worth about $650 million at current prices.
The substance is used as fuel for nuclear power.
Powertech has not yet received any of the federal, state and local permits needed for its “in-situ” mining method, in which a solvent solution is injected underground to dissolve uranium ore and pump it to the surface.
Company officials said they are awaiting a revision in state mining laws that may require more public disclosure of uranium prospecting and also tighten controls on water-quality studies and restoration of aquifers.
Opponents of the mine fear it will contaminate groundwater and leach toxins into surrounding soil and aquifers.
“It’s unprecedented to place a uranium mine this close to 250,000 people,” said Jackie Adolph, who lives near the mine site and is an official of Coloradans Against Resource Destruction, a group of local opponents of the mine.
Adolph said Powertech acquired the land options and issued a press release Wednesday “because they’re trying to pump up some attention for what is a very speculative project.”
Adolph said the options are for acreage north of the proposed mine’s original site.
Powertech officials said they would not disclose the options’ location until the firm notifies local residents.
Steve Raabe: 303-954-1948 or sraabe@denverpost.com
