ISR Pros and Cons 

17. Is uranium the only mineral released during ISR operations?

1. No. The same process that releases the uranium also can release other associated elements found in the same deposit including arsenic, selenium, molybdenum, vanadium and radium-226.
    

17. Are those of concern?

1. These are some of the minerals that state regulators responsible for drinking water quality look for.  During ISR operations, these minerals are recovered and disposed of according to permit regulations.  Once recovery operations have been completed and the aquifer restored, the levels of all minerals in the water should reflect water quality levels prior to the ISR operation.
    

17. What about radiation levels?

1. The usual radiation safeguards are applied at an ISR mining operation.  Because most of the orebody's radioactivity remains well underground, there is minimal increase in radon gas release and no ore dust. Employees are monitored for alpha radiation contamination and personal dosimeters (a radiation measuring device) are worn to measure exposure to gamma radiation. Routine monitoring of air, dust and surface contamination continues throughout the operation.
    

17. Some accuse previous ISR operations of polluting groundwater and creating health hazards.

1. In the past, there were cases where that happened.  Now, having said that, those operations were not as highly regulated 30-40 years ago as they would be under today’s modern ISR permitting and operating procedures.  Also, improved operating technology, and its application in today’s ISR operations, has benefited all.  Like other resource recovery industries in Texas including oil and natural gas, surface mining of coal, uranium, lignite, cement and crushed stone, improved production methods, together with stronger government regulation, have improved the way these industries operate.  It has also reduced their impact on the environment.
    

17. If nuclear power is controversial, and an issue with some folks, why not do away with it?

1. In the United States, Texans currently rank 5^th in per capita energy consumption.  About 25 percent of that energy is produced by nuclear power plants.  Many of the voices against nuclear power are the same voices warning about global warming.  And while the scientists debate the concerns of that issue, one of the major global warming contributors of “greenhouse gases” are coal fired electrical generating plants.  Nuclear power plants generate the smallest volume of greenhouse gases  of any method for generating electricity.   In short, we believe it is important to have a mix of fuel sources for the generation of electricity to meet the needs of Texans today, and those projected to be here in the future.  And remember, OPEC does not control this country’s sources of uranium.
    

17. How do I know you’ll do what you say you will do?

1. Our operations are strictly regulated by the highly-trained, professional staff of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)   We can not operate without their approval, and their granting us an operating permit.  If we fail to comply with the provisions of this permit, TCEQ can issue fines, suspend operations until compliance is restored, or cancel our permit entirely.  In addition, we must provide financial resources to insure aquifer and surface restoration in the event we are not able to complete these activities.
    

17. What other government agencies are regulating this industry?

1. The Railroad Commission of Texas oversees exploration drilling.  The TCEQ actually issues three permits including the Mine Permit and Permit Area Authorizations, Air Exemption Permit and a Radioactive Material License.  The United States Environmental Protection Agency issues an Aquifer Exemption.  And along the way, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Agency, Army Corps of Engineers and the Texas Historical Commission review and sign off on the information gathered in our permit application.