URANIUM OPEN PIT MINES IN WYOMING

URANIUM OPEN PIT MINES

The three (3) images of open pit uranium mines linked to this page are of the Bear Creek Mine near Douglas, Wyoming, the Big Eagel Pits near Jeffrey City, Wyoming and the Sweetwater Pit located forty-two (42) miles northwest of Rawlins, Wyoming. Click on the images or links to learn more about each item! The Bear Creek Pit (now reclaimed) was owned by Bear Creek Uranium Company, a subsidiary of Union Pacific. The photograph of it is courtesy of Bear Creek Uranium Company. The Sweetwater Pit, currently under interim stabilization, is operated and managed by Kennecott Uranium Company. The photograph of it is courtesy of Kennecott Uranium Company. The Big Eagle Pits, excavated by Pathfinder Mines Corporation, are maintained by U.S. Energy Corporation. The photograph of the Big Eagle Pits is courtesy of U. S. Energy Corporation. Excavation, operation and reclamation of open pit uranium mines in Wyoming is strictly regulated by the State of Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) . The DEQ requires mine operators to obtain Permits to Mine and to post bonds to insure that the mine is reclaimed. Some open pit mines may enter a period of interim stabilization during which the operator may suspend operations and stabilize the pit pending improvements in the market for the commidity being mined. Interim stabilization allows the operator to suspend operations due to adverse market conditions without having to immediately reclaim, so when the market improves the operator can continue to use the pit. Mine operators are required to file annual reports to the DEQ and to comply with various site specific conditions inserted by the DEQ into their individual mining permits.

Big Eagle Pits
This is the Big Eagle Pits viewed from the air. The open pits (Big Eagle East and Big Eagle West Pits) and the associated overburden pile can be clearly seen.

The Sweetwater Pit and Mine Site.
To the left is the Sweetwater Pit , the overburden pile and the mill. This photograph was taken on September 25, 1980 during construction.

The Bear Creek Pit.
The Bear Creek Pit is shown to the right! This pit has been reclaimed. The mine area is now lush and green.

No uranium open pit mines are currently operating in Wyoming due to market conditions. Previously dug pits have either been reclaimed, are in reclamation or under interim stabilization.

These photographs are courtesy of Bear Creek Uranium Company, Kennecott Uranium company or U.S. Energy Corporation