The parent company of Kennecott Energy has filed a motion in Fremont County District Court which seeks dismissal of a lawsuit in which U.S. Energy Corporation is seeking $3.5 Billion in compensatory and punitive damages.

U.S. Energy alleges that Kennecott and its parent company, Rio Tinto of the United Kingdom, have conspired to destroy the Green Mountain Mining Venture in an effort to benefit Rio Tinto's other uranium properties around the world.

Kennecott earlier filed suit to dissolve the GMMV, of which it and U.S. Energy and related companies were a party.

In an answer to the lawsuit, Rio Tinto, through ,it's appointed Riverton attorney; David B., Hooper, alleges the local court lacks personal jurisdiction over Rio Tinto. In response to the Rio Tinto filing for dismissal, U.S. Energy, claims the request is premature because discovery in the case has not been yet been completed. Judge Nancy Guthrie has scheduled a hearing on the motion for 11:30 a. m. Tuesday, May 30.