By Dave Thompson
Bismarck, ND – The North Dakota Geological Survey says it's getting some inquiries about the potential for uranium mines in western North Dakota.
In the late 1960s, uranium was mined in southwest North Dakota. The ore was found in coal deposits. Mining operations ceased in the early 1970s. But the Society's Ed Murphy says a worldwide shortage of uranium for nuclear power plants has rekindled the interest.
"For 20-plus years, since Three Mile Island, no exploration has taken place," said Murphy. "A lot of mines were shut down because the price stayed at about $10 a pound. Now that it's up to $75 a pound, there's a lot of interest."
Murphy says he expects some companies will drill test holes this summer. He says the survey doesn't know how much uranium may be out there -- but has developed a map of known uranium deposits.