Exploratory work in the Edgemont uranium district in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Photo from Powertech Uranium Corp

The Atomic Safety and Licensing Board is moving quickly on a uranium mine opposed by the Oglala Sioux Tribe of South Dakota.

The board heard arguments via telephone in the tribe's case against Powertech Uranium Corp. The tribe wants further studies to ensure sacred and cultural sites in the Black Hills won't be harmed by the mine.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission awarded an operating license to Powertech to restart uranium mining in an area about 60 miles west of the reservation border. The Edgemont uranium district is also close to the Wyoming border and to the Nebraska border.

The Atomic Safety and Licensing Board plans to make a decision in a few days, the Associated Press reported.

Get the Story:
Arguments Fly Over Proposed SD Uranium Mine (AP 5/14)

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Oglala Sioux Tribe win stay on license for planned uranium mine (05/01)
Native Sun News: Oglala Sioux Tribe worried about sacred sites (4/29)