ENCORE URANIUM (previously POWERTECH/AZARGA) DOES NOT HAVE THE CRITICAL PERMITS OR LICENSES NEEDED TO MINE AND/OR START CONSTRUCTION. IT NEEDS AT LEAST 10 PERMITS/LICENSES BEFORE IT CAN LEGALLY MINE URANIUM IN THE DEWEY-BURDOCK AREA LOCATED IN THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF BLACK HILLS.
4/15/26 UPDATE: IMPORTANT COMMENT DEADLINE!
DEWEY-BURDOCK URANIUM PROJECT
YOUR PUBLIC COMMENT NEEDED BY MAY 14
There is a new opportunity for you to do something to oppose plans to mine radioactive uranium in Custer and Fall River Counties. Public comments on part of the proposed Dewey-Burdock mine are due to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) by May 14, 2026.
The Dewey-Burdock mine is planned by enCore Energy through its subsidiary, Powertech. Powertech intended to start mining in 2009, but determined public and tribal government resistance has meant that it hasn’t started yet.
The Dewey-Burdock project would be about 10,580 acres and would mine using the in situ leach process. The Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for this project… Your Comment is Needed Today…Read More
Go to the Federal Level Comment Notices for more information and how to submit your comment.
The following information was updated November 22, 2024
Nuclear Regulatory Commission License
The company received this license
The company asked to renew the license in 2024, and the renewal is being challenged
January 31, 2025 – Below is the ASLB’s decision on participation by BHCWA, NDN, Susan Henderson, and the Oglala Sioux Tribe in the license renewal case for Powertech’s NRC permit.
Environmental Protection Agency
Underground Injection Control (UIC) Permits (2)
The EPA appeals board sent the EPA back to the drawing board for these permits in 2024, restarting the permitting process
Aquifer Exemption for mining area under the Safe Drinking Water Act
On hold pending outcome of UIC permits process
State of South Dakota
Water Permits (3)
Consideration of water permits was put on hold in 2013
Mining Permit
Consideration of mining permit was put on hold in 2013
Fall River County
County gave permission for project
Custer County
County has not given permission for project
TOTAL: Two permits received (one under challenge); At least 10 permits needed
Following is a recording of the Nov. 10, 2021 case between the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit – and the Oglala Sioux Tribe and Aligning Responsible Mining v. Nuclear Regulatory Commission regarding violations of Government to Government Tribal Consultation, NHPA and NEPA for meaningful and thorough tribal site survey on cultural and environmental resources.
Transcript available Here.
(Note: we used Otter.ai and although combed through the text, there may be words/spelling errors. If you see something, please let us know via email.
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Black Hills Clean Water Alliance 