2nd Hearing Begins on Proposed Uranium Mine

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — The second of two state permit hearings on a proposed uranium mine in western South Dakota is this week in Rapid City.

The state Water Management Board is deciding whether to approve permits for Powertech Uranium Corp.'s proposed Dewey-Burdock mine near Edgemont. The hearing was to be held earlier this month but was postponed because of a snowstorm.

The state Board of Minerals and Environment held a weeklong permit hearing on the project late last month. That board's decision is pending.

The Rapid City Journal reports that more than 200 people have signed up to speak at this week's hearing. Supporters of the proposed mine say it would create jobs and tax revenue. Opponents fear it will harm the environment.

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