Spotlight
License Applications for New Uranium Recovery Facilities, Expansions, Restarts, and Renewals
By issuing or amending a current license, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) authorizes the licensee to construct and operate (with specified conditions) a uranium recovery facility, expand an existing facility, or restart an existing facility at a specific site, in accordance with established laws and regulations. A uranium recovery license is valid for 10 years from the date of the Commission finding, under Title 40, Section 40.32, of the Code of Federal Regulations [10 CFR 40.32], that the acceptance criteria in the license are met. A uranium recovery license can be renewed in 10-year increments . The NRC expects to receive applications for new facilities, expansions, and restarts in a variety of projected locations throughout the United States. For details, see the following pages, as well as Uranium Recovery Applications Received (below):
- Locations of Projected New Uranium Recovery Facilities, Expansions, Restarts, and Renewals
- Major Uranium Recovery Licensing Applications
- Uranium Recovery Application Timeline
For a uranium recovery application, the NRC staff reviews the applicant's qualifications, design safety, environmental impacts, operational programs, and site safety. The staff conducts its review in accordance with the Atomic Energy Act, NRC regulations, and the National Environmental Policy Act. All stakeholders (including the public) are given notice as to how and when they may participate in the regulatory process, which may include participating in public meetings and opportunities to request a hearing on the issuance of a license, amendment, or renewal.
Uranium Recovery Applications Received
The following table provides links to pages regarding the docketed uranium recovery applications that the NRC has received to date. These pages describe the activities associated with reviewing the applications for new uranium recovery facilities, expansions, restarts, and renewals. For additional detail, see Status of Uranium Recovery Facility Applications, Reviews, and Letters of Intent, as well as the related Data Dictionary (both in Microsoft Excel format).
| Proposed New Facility, Expansion, Restart, or Renewal | Type of Facility | Applicant/Licensee |
|---|---|---|
| Crow Butte | In Situ Recovery (ISR) - Renewal | Crow Butte Resources |
| Dewey Burdock | ISR | Powertech Uranium Corp. |
| Ludeman | ISR - Expansion | Uranium One |
| Marsland | ISR - Expansion | Crow Butte Resources |
| North Trend | ISR - Expansion | Crow Butte Resources |
| Ross | ISR | Strata Energy, Inc. |
| Smith Ranch Highland | ISR - Renewal | Power Resources Inc. |
| Willow Creek | ISR - Renewal | Uranium One |
