Hearing Postponed on Uranium Mine Water Permits

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - A state board has postponed a hearing on two water rights permits sought by a proposed uranium mine in southwestern South Dakota.

Powertech Uranium Corp. plans to pump groundwater into the underground ore deposits near Edgemont to dissolve the uranium. The water would be pumped to the surface, where the uranium would be extracted. The company estimates the mine would produce 1 million pounds of uranium oxide a year for 20 years.

The state Water Management Board had set a hearing on the water rights permits for Dec. 5. But that hearing has been delayed at the request of some people involved in the case.

Powertech also has applied for a state mining permit.

In addition, the company is seeking an operating license from the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

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