Wyomings resurgent uranium industry could get a further boost from University of Wyoming scientists, whose research on post-mining environmental restoration is yielding extremely promising results. Research in UW laboratories has shown that stimulating growth of native bacteria could be an effective way to remediate aquifers tapped by in-situ leach uranium mining, the technique used in the vast majority of Wyomings existing and planned uranium recovery operations.
If those findings are confirmed in the field, uranium companies could save significantly in groundwater restoration costs while achieving better results. The remediation process simply involves feeding the existing bacteria - no new bacteria are introduced, says Kevin Chamberlain, a research professor in UW Department of Geology and Geophysics. The result is a better restoration for less cost to the mining company - a win-win situation for the environment, the state and the company.
Wyoming, which once had a thriving uranium mining industry, remains No. 1 in the nation in uranium reserves and is seeing something of a renaissance in mining operations after decades of industry decline and delay. Cameco Smith Ranch-Highland mine in Converse County is one of the biggest producers, and several other companies have opened or are preparing to start in-situ leach (ISL) operations in the state - which stands to benefit through job creation and tax revenues.
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