US Approves First Cleanup of Abandoned Uranium Mines

US Uranium Mine Cleanup Initiative Gains Momentum

The US takes a historic step toward remediating abandoned uranium mines, granting Wyoming-based DISA Technologies a first-of-its-kind NRC license. The license allows the company to clean legacy uranium sites across the West and recycle uranium for domestic nuclear energy. These sites, many on Navajo and tribal lands, have posed environmental risks for decades.

DISA Technologies plans to recover hundreds of millions of pounds of uranium from waste piles while mitigating radiation hazards. Their high-pressure slurry ablation (HPSA) technology safely separates uranium from contaminated rock. Wyoming Senator Cynthia Lummis highlighted the initiative’s safety and efficiency, emphasizing its importance for tribal and public health.

Focus on Uranium Recycling and Strategic Energy Supply

Uranium is essential for US nuclear reactors, which generate about 20% of the nation’s electricity. The US currently imports large quantities of uranium, including a quarter of enriched uranium from Russia, making domestic recovery a strategic priority.

The DISA project aligns with calls to boost US strategic uranium reserves. Navajo Nation leaders support the remediation, emphasizing land restoration and safe disposal of hazardous materials. DISA’s initiative could transform abandoned sites into productive resources while improving environmental outcomes.

SuperMetalPrice Commentary:

This NRC approval marks a turning point in US uranium management. By combining cleanup with resource recovery, DISA Technologies strengthens energy security and nuclear supply chains. The initiative could set a precedent for other Western states and tribal lands. Investors in uranium mining and recycling technologies should closely watch this emerging sector.