Here's BLRs latest Colorado Update. as at 9th April 2008
Opposing opinions of uranium exploration drilling on Tallahassee Pass are expected during the formal public hearing May 27
During regular session Tuesday, the Fremont County Commissioners scheduled the hearing for 10 a.m. May 27. The hot-button issue has divided the community, as both supporters and opponents of the plan stated their case before the county’s planning commission April 1.
Black Range Minerals, the Australian company seeking to drill about 800 test holes on the Taylor and Boyer ranches, failed to win a recommendation for the necessary permit from the planning commission. That board sent the issue to the commissioners for final action, recommending denial of the permit by a split 4-3 vote.
During that hearing, supporters of the test drilling cited energy independence and a revitalized local economy as main reasons BRM should be awarded a conditional use permit.
Opponents of the plan listed plummeting property values, noise, unsightly views, water contamination and increased traffic as reasons to deny the permit.
BRM is asking for a 10-year window to test almost 4,000 acres for the economic viability of mining uranium. The property is appropriately zoned Agricultural-Forestry, which is the county’s lowest-density zone and permits activity such as uranium mining.
If the commissioners approve the permit and tests prove the area is a good candidate for uranium mining, BRM hopes to eventually create a technologically-advanced facility, including a new mill to process the uranium.
The May 27 public hearing will address test drilling only. If the permit is awarded and the company is successful with test drilling, BRM eventually could return to the county seeking the necessary permits to mine.
Written and vocal comments will be accepted during the meeting, which will be held at the county administration building, 615 Macon Ave., Room LL-3. The commissioners’ vote will be the deciding factor in whether BRM is allowed to pursue uranium drilling in the area. . . . Cheers from grant64 :) . . .
BLR Price at posting:
0.0¢ Sentiment: LT Buy Disclosure: Held
