The seven contentions were raised regarding the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Final Source and Byproduct Materials License (NRC Final License) for the uranium project.
The ASLB issued a partial decision and ruled in favor of NRC Staff and Powertech for five contentions which include those related to groundwater usage, groundwater quality, ability to contain fluid migration, mitigation measures, and connected actions for the project.
The ruling also did not admit new contentions, filed by Intervenors after evidentiary hearing. The partial initial decision will constitute a final decision on 28 August 2015.
Additionally, the ASLB requested additional consultation between the NRC Staff and the Oglala Sioux Tribe for the remaining two contentions, which relate to identification and protection of historic and cultural resources.
Azarga CEO Alexander Molyneux said: "We are pleased the ASLB has decided in our favor on key material contentions to our NRC Final License for Dewey Burdock and that a process has been put in place to resolve the outstanding matters.
"With permitting progressing towards a resolution, we have initiated uranium marketing discussions with customers regarding term contracts for Dewey Burdock’s output and have also started a process of engaging prospective project financiers."
However, the NRC Final License has not been suspend by ASLB for the project.
ASLB instead retained the jurisdiction of the two contentions asking for subimission of monthly status reports until they are addressed.
