Denison Mines Corp. has secured permits needed to reopen three uranium mines near the Grand Canyon, CB Online is reporting.
The Toronto-based company already operates one uranium mine on federal land north of the iconic park. The company processes the ore extracted from the mine at a mill in Blanding, Utah.
The state Department of Environmental Quality approved air quality permits for Denison’s EZ, Pinenut and Canyon mines this week. It also granted an aquifer protection permit for the EZ Mine.
Two of the mines are located north of the Grand Canyon, about 35 miles southwest of Fredonia. The other lies south of the canyon.
Environmentalists say they’ll appeal the permits, citing potential groundwater contamination.
Denison needs federal approval before it can restart operations at the three mines.
