Ur-Energy secures crucial mining amendments approval from Wyoming authorities
- The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality granted approval for amendments to Ur-Energy's Lost Creek Permit to Mine.
- The amendments allow the company to expand into areas rich in uranium mineral resources.
- This state approval is a crucial milestone for Ur-Energy, providing a pathway for future operations amid supportive federal policies.
In the United States, Ur-Energy Inc. announced that on April 28, 2025, it received state approval from the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality for amendments to the Lost Creek Permit to Mine. This approval allows the company to expand recovery activities into areas estimated to hold substantial uranium mineral resources, including 1.378 million pounds U3O8 Measured Mineral Resource and 1.635 million pounds U3O8 Indicated Mineral Resource. The Bureau of Land Management had previously approved related amendments, and the company is now waiting for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to grant an aquifer exemption. John Cash, CEO and Chairman of Ur-Energy, highlighted the lengthy process involving environmental data collection and regulatory review that led to this approval. While the company does not plan to begin operations in the new mine units for several years, the formal approval marks a significant step in their operational plans. This announcement comes amid broader developments at the federal level, including an Executive Order issued by President Trump directing an investigation into national security risks posed by reliance on imported processed critical minerals, including uranium. The significance of the approval lies not only in operational expansion for Ur-Energy but also in the context of the national conversation around energy independence and security, particularly concerning critical minerals. The historical backdrop includes a previous Section 232 investigation from 2018-2019 that resulted in the establishment of a uranium reserve, suggesting the government's growing interest in bolstering domestic uranium production. Ur-Energy's corporate office is located in Littleton, Colorado, with its registered office in Ottawa, Ontario. In light of these developments, the future of uranium mining is positioned for further scrutiny and potential growth as government directives continue to favor energy exploration on federal lands. With the proposal of new mining units at Lost Creek, Ur-Energy's prospects appear promising as they seek to navigate the regulatory landscape and capitalize on their uranium resources effectively.