05/09/08

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) _ Indications from mining companies are that
Wyoming could see up to 50 new uranium operations in the state.

Wyoming has just one active uranium mine now. Demand for uranium
has increased prices substantially over the last few years,
prompting renewed interest in uranium mining across the West.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has received 30 applications
for new uranium mines, restarts of closed mines and expansions of
existing mines. Twenty of them are in Wyoming. The others are in
Nebraska, South Dakota, New Mexico, Arizona and Montana.

Don McKenzie of the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality
says he is redistributing three full-time positions within his land
quality division to handle the increased uranium workload.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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