Wyoming residents support uranium mining, but not as much as oil and gas development, a statewide survey found. The state once had many operating uranium mines, and still has the largest known uranium ore reserves of any state in the U.S.

But people who know about the in-situ process of extracting uranium are more likely to support it as an energy source, the survey found.

The Wyoming Survey and Analysis Center’s telephone survey is based on responses of 935 people statewide. The survey randomly sampled Wyoming households from Feb. 15-24, said the center’s Brian Harnisch.

People gave their views on uranium mining as a way to provide energy.

Residents who answered the survey are concerned about the potential for groundwater contamination and pollution from uranium development.

Sixty-one percent said they support uranium extraction for energy development, while 29 percent were neutral and 9.6 percent were opposed.

That compares to 80.5 percent who support oil and natural gas development. Nearly 4 percent oppose oil and gas, and 16 percent were neutral.

Seventy-eight percent favor wind turbines, and 79.5 percent support coal mining.

The University of Wyoming’s School of Energy Resources commissioned the survey. The school wanted to find gaps in public knowledge to help design a forum on Wednesday about the in-situ method of extracting uranium.

There is one uranium mine now in Wyoming, the Smith Ranch-Highland Operation near Glenrock. Cameco Resources operates it.

Ken Vaughn, investor, corporate and government relations at Cameco Resources, said the survey results are encouraging and positive.

He said it’s telling that the more people know about the in-situ recovery process, the more they support uranium development.

“Overall, the support was strong regardless,” he said of the survey.

Of those who knew about the in-situ process, 68 percent supported continued uranium development. Among those who knew nothing about it, 51 percent supported uranium mining.

The in-situ process does not require surface or underground mining. Boreholes are drilled into an ore deposit. A groundwater solution is injected into the ore. Uranium is pumped to the surface.

On the survey, 29 percent are neutral on continued uranium development, twice as high as for other types of energy.

About 76 percent think the process might cause groundwater contamination, and nearly 72 percent think it might cause pollution for wastewater spills.

Vaughn said the company operates only in areas where there isn’t drinking water. Monitoring is strict.

“If people have questions with any type of industrial activity, it’s our obligation to answer the questions and make sure people are informed,” he said.

source: Nuclear Street