Mining officials gathered at the Colorado Mining Association’s three-day conference this week say the “New Energy Economy,” usually associated with renewable energy, starts with their industry.
The Denver conference, which runs through today, is designed to show the link between U.S. minerals and energy security, said Stuart Sanderson, the trade group’s president.
Materials such as molybdenum and silver are needed to make wind turbines and solar panels, Sanderson said, but the country imports many minerals that it could be producing.
“We have a critical dependence on countries, many of them, of course, not exactly friendly to the United States,” Sanderson said.
Meanwhile, Energy Fuels announced that its proposed uranium mill in southwest Colorado could be operating by early 2012.
The company wants to build a mill in the Paradox Valley of Montrose County, about 12 miles west of Naturita. Energy Fuels president and chief executive George Glasier said Tuesday that state officials have until next January to deny or issue a permit.
Durango attorney Travis Stills, representing the mill’s opponents, said the 2012 timeline sounds unrealistic because the company also needs federal approval and water rights.
