Move Over Gold and Silver, Here Comes Uranium (Maybe)

Just talking about mining uranium brings up memories of the Three Mile Island incident in New York in March of 1979. Or maybe The China Syndrome movie in that same year. Both the fears and fallacies of uranium ring in the minds of anyone who has lived through the discovery or learned of uranium and its history and mystery. 

Uranium was discovered in 1789 and was used primarily to color ceramic glazes and in early photography. Then in 1896 Henri Becqurele discovered uranium had radioactive properties. 

In Nevada uranium has been mined since the 1950’s. The Apex mine near Austin was the center of that mining. 

Geologist Charlie Steen made a big splash in the 1960’s in Reno, Nevada when he built a mansion with his fortune, he accumulated from uranium mining. Steen’s mining interests, however, were held in Utah. The Apex mine south of Austin produced Nevada’s pocket of the fuel, and is again being looked at for the rich deposit there.

Kracken Energy Corp., has valid existing claims, to pursue a Uranium Exploration Project that includes construction of seven (7) drill pads for core drilling to be initiated and reclaimed within 1 year of initiation. A Safety Plan has been prepared to mitigate potential impacts at the project. 

Kracken Energy Corp. was a junior uranium exploration company focused on high-grade US assets like the Apex Property in Nevada, but it was acquired by Aero Energy Limited in June 2025, becoming part of a larger North American uranium developer. 

On January 7,2026 the U. S. Forest Service held an informational public meeting in Austin, Nevada in regards to the possibility of a resurgence of a uranium mine south of that town.

Why Uranium Now? 

In the meeting in Austin, the announcement containing information was as follows: This proposal has been determined as emergency action under Executive Order 14156 Declaring a National Energy Emergency issued on January 20th, 2025, by President Donald Trump, in which he declared an energy emergency regarding the availability of domestic energy resources and domestic energy production, transportation, refining, and generation.

The Forest Service hosted the public meeting for the purpose of providing the Proposal Scope of the Apex Exploration Project. The Apex mine operated until 1968, however, and during this time produced 45 metric tons of ore, making it Nevada's largest producer of uranium.

In information gathered from Dee Brewer Helming, Lander County Commissioner, regarding this announcement, she informed The Star that “it’s not a mine, it’s just a drilling program taking core samples to see if there is a possibility of a future mine. It’s an old uranium mine that was open in the 50-60's.” I was told through the grapevine that the mine was in Grass Valley. However Dee let us know, “It’s not Grass Valley, it’s at the base of Veatch Canyon, just south of Austin, in Reese River Valley.” She also added, “IF anything does occur it could be 5-10 years before it happens. A lot of it depends on the drilling and what they find."

What Was The Purpose of the Public Notification Meeting?

As per the notice from the Forest Service: 

"This Project will adhere to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) NEPA regulations that went into effect on July 3rd, 2025.

Under the new USDA NEPA regulations 7 CFR Part 1b, public scoping is no longer considered; however, the Responsible Official may consider a Public Notice when deemed appropriate. In addition to references for the USDA NEPA regulations 7 CFR Part 1b, a presentation on the background of the proposal area, proposal description and timing of planned implementation, the developed Safety Plan, and reclamation of exploration activities.

The Forest Service will not be accepting comments; however, questions following the presentation will be taken from the participants. What are the Forest Service's Next Steps in Proposal Planning? Once the proposal is accepted, the Forest Service documents with a Findings of applicability and no extraordinary circumstance (FANEC). The FANEC is made available to the pubic by posting on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National  Forest Project Webpage.

They are just doing some drilling. If what they find is viable then they will begin the permit process to do more. Right now just pulling samples."

Mining uranium is not to be feared. The guidelines and safety aspects of all mining is fully regulated and the urgency to adhere to those guidelines is held in great regard. The CDC (Center for Disease Control) states, 

"Everyone is exposed to low amounts of uranium through food, water, and air. Exposure to high levels of natural or depleted uranium can cause kidney disease. Uranium has been found in at least 67 of 1,699 National Priorities List sites identified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)."

It should be noted though that uranium is just a part of the mix used in making nuclear power. It needs to undergo nuclear fusion to become the end use fuel to create electricity. 

Uranium is also used in the medical field in diagnosing and treating some cancers. The military uses uranium in developing nuclear weapons and in propulsion of nuclear submarines. Uranium’s extreme density also makes its industrial uses as a shielding element valuable.

In a Co-Pilot Bing Search it is Believed:

“Uranium's versatility as a resource has made it a critical element in modern energy production, medical technology, and military applications. Its unique properties and isotope continue to play a significant role in various sectors, highlighting the importance of careful regulation and management of this resource."

In the money world, uranium is selling today at approximately $59-$83 per pound. The value is found in the fact that the deposit is easier to mine and produce.

In comparison to the Nevada gold rush, uranium is as viable as the lithium, vanadium and other rare earth minerals being mined throughout the state. Time will tell if uranium will make a splash in central Nevada over the next 5, 10, 20 or more years.