A Note on HRI’s Media Response to Jurisdiction Decision in 10th Circuit Court
Folks-
In looking through all the media coverage of the HRI jurisdiction decision, I (and others) have noticed a distressing fact. Papers and websites are reporting, without question, HRI’s assertion that it has all the permits it needs to begin mining and could start mining now if it wanted.
This is NOT true. HRI has a discharge permit from NMED (which is essentially a UIC permit, which HRI needs), but it is NOT valid - it needs to be renewed. Additionally, HRI needs a temporary aquifer designation before it can begin mining. So all the reports about HRI being able to start mining now are FALSE. HRI needs to get those state permits - which could take years with public hearings and court appeals - before it can mine.
I wanted to let you know, so that you can answer questions from community members or media outlets.
Eric Jantz, Staff Attorney
Learn more about the Hydro Resources, Inc. uranium mines case.