Life Cycle

The Piñon Ridge Mill has an expected life of 40 years.

The Radioactive Materials License issued to Energy Fuels, in addition to establishing construction and operations criteria, includes a decommissioning and reclamation plan for the entire site. The State approved the estimated costs for the decommissioning and reclamation work to be done, assuming that a third party might be required to do the work.

Prior to beginning construction, Energy Fuels must provide a financial surety to assure that funds will be available to reclaim the site if Energy Fuels is unable to complete the task. The cost estimate and surety also include the funds necessary for the long-term surveillance and monitoring of the decommissioned site to protect public health and safety.

After satisfactory completion of decommissioning and reclamation by Energy Fuels, title to the encapsulated uranium tailings will pass to the United States or the State of Colorado, at the option of the State, which is responsible for long-term monitoring and care of the tailings.

The remainder of the site will be returned to rangeland use.