Uranium Mining
Clean, Safe Energy
The increased demand for energy to promote economic development and to provide the citizens of this state with a source of reasonably priced electricity has reinvigorated interest in nuclear power. Though the construction of nuclear power plants has been in the doldrums for more than 30 years, nuclear energy still provides more than 20% of the electrical energy in the United States. But, 95% of the uranium necessary to power these plants is imported from foreign sources, many with unstable governments.
Development of domestic sources of uranium is critical. In response to this renewed interest in nuclear power plant construction in the United States, uranium mining in the western United States and Texas has been booming.
Uranium Industry Economic Impact Study
The Texas uranium belt extends along an approximate 300-mile belt that extends from east-central Texas to South Texas. Uranium previously was produced in this belt using open pit mining and milling technology. However, mining operations now employ in-situ recovery (ISR) technology that uses oxygenated water to capture and remove naturally occurring uranium from the ore body.
This new technology greatly reduces the surface disturbance typically associated with a mineral extraction process. According to the Energy Information Administration, three of the five ISR plants currently producing uranium in the United States are operating in Texas. The combined production capacity of these plants is 2.8 million pounds of U3O8. Once all of the currently operating and planned facilities are online, the total annual production in Texas will be more than 5.8 million pounds. Once all of the proposed plants join the currently operating facilities, the total annual production of domestic uranium by the ISR method will exceed 15.5 million pounds. Uranium mining using ISR technology is safe. There has never been a documented instance of drinking water contamination resulting from ISR mining in Texas. This environmental and safety record is attributed to the exacting standards that the State of Texas imposes on the mining of uranium. It is also a tribute to the industry’s commitment to safety and environmental protection.
Sixteen exploration permits have been issued by the Railroad Commission of Texas this year, and four more are under consideration for issuance. At least five new applications are pending at the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. 80 million pounds of uranium worth more than $4 billion at current prices have been produced in Texas and, more exploration and production is expected in the years to come.
Typically, the budget for full-scale activities at a South Texas ISR uranium mine site projects annual expenditures of $7-10 million for salaries, fringe benefits and training for approximately 100 employees.
The resurgence of the uranium mining industry in Texas reflects TMRA’s commitments to mineral production, environmental protection, economic strength and public welfare. It is a busy and exciting time for uranium miners in Texas.
Uranium Mining Companies
- Mesteña Uranium, LLC
- Rio Grande Resources Corporation
- Signal Equities, LLC
- South Texas Mining Venture
- Uranium Energy Corp
- Uranium Resources, Inc.