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Powertech Uranium Corporation's recent mineral rights purchases in Weld County for their Centennial
Project is why we exist. The Canadian firm informed local residents via certified letter last October
that it intends to mine uranium U308 utilizing in-situ (in place) mining technology to extract the
radioactive component. This process is and will be occurring in a number of other states (Texas, South
Dakota and New Mexico) and will be depending on our most precious and limited water supply.
The in-situ leaching process is a cheap and claimed environmentally benign method of extracting
uranium from low grade ore deposits. This method works by injecting chemically charged native ground
water into the element bearing porous sandstone aquifer causing the uranium to dissolve in the ground
water. This solution is then pumped to a centralized facility to extract the uranium from the solution,
stripped of uranium, the groundwater is then recharged and reinjected starting the process over.
The known dangers of the in-situ leaching technology are:
• the risk that deadly, radioactive leaching compounds will spread outside of the uranium deposit
and contaminate Front Range water supplies, (as has been the case in other areas where uranium is
mined);
• the unpredictable impact of the leaching solution on the rock formations;
• releases considerable amounts of radon
• the bonus of extracting other toxic heavy metals needing disposal;
• the impossibility of restoring natural groundwater conditions;
• disposal of radioactive waste water and slurries;
Right now, Weld County residents need technical, political, legal and environmentalist support. We also
need courageous elected officials to invest themselves candidly, bravely and immediately in the defense
of the physical and emotional health and fiscal welfare of their constituents. That the limited, imperiled
natural resources that remain in Colorado need their unequivocal support, has been obvious for a long
time.
Were you asked if you'd like to take the risk of having deadly uranium mined in your area? Contact your
representatives and ask them if they will help us to defend what is left of our precious natural resources
and the outstanding reputation of quality of life. Mining in Nunn is moving forward.
Project is why we exist. The Canadian firm informed local residents via certified letter last October
that it intends to mine uranium U308 utilizing in-situ (in place) mining technology to extract the
radioactive component. This process is and will be occurring in a number of other states (Texas, South
Dakota and New Mexico) and will be depending on our most precious and limited water supply.
The in-situ leaching process is a cheap and claimed environmentally benign method of extracting
uranium from low grade ore deposits. This method works by injecting chemically charged native ground
water into the element bearing porous sandstone aquifer causing the uranium to dissolve in the ground
water. This solution is then pumped to a centralized facility to extract the uranium from the solution,
stripped of uranium, the groundwater is then recharged and reinjected starting the process over.
The known dangers of the in-situ leaching technology are:
• the risk that deadly, radioactive leaching compounds will spread outside of the uranium deposit
and contaminate Front Range water supplies, (as has been the case in other areas where uranium is
mined);
• the unpredictable impact of the leaching solution on the rock formations;
• releases considerable amounts of radon
• the bonus of extracting other toxic heavy metals needing disposal;
• the impossibility of restoring natural groundwater conditions;
• disposal of radioactive waste water and slurries;
Right now, Weld County residents need technical, political, legal and environmentalist support. We also
need courageous elected officials to invest themselves candidly, bravely and immediately in the defense
of the physical and emotional health and fiscal welfare of their constituents. That the limited, imperiled
natural resources that remain in Colorado need their unequivocal support, has been obvious for a long
time.
Were you asked if you'd like to take the risk of having deadly uranium mined in your area? Contact your
representatives and ask them if they will help us to defend what is left of our precious natural resources
and the outstanding reputation of quality of life. Mining in Nunn is moving forward.
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