According to reports, the underground mine contains the largest stashes of uranium ore in the US.

MASE coordinator Susan Gordon said: "It’s neither producing uranium nor is it cleaning up its existing mess – it’s simply festering.

"It hasn’t operated in 25 years and pretending that it will operate in the future just prevents real cleanup in our communities.

"It is time for the Mining and Minerals Division to require reclamation of all uranium mine sites in New Mexico."

The operators have reportedly received standby permits, and the waste piles and infrastructure are still present and have not been reclaimed.

In the present application by RGR, the N.M. Mining and Minerals Division has further approved another standby permit despite no plans of renewed production by the company and documented groundwater contamination, according to MASE.

New Mexico Environmental Law Center staff attorney Eric Jantz said, "In order to continue standby status, RGR must show the mine will be economically viable during the standby period."

"But every credible source indicates that current uranium production will satisfy any demand for years to come. This mine will not produce uranium anytime soon. RGR should start creating high paying jobs by starting reclamation right now."

 

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