Peninsula Energy Ltd (ASX:PEN) is set to gain from the formalisation of the state of Wyoming’s new Agreement State status, effective October 1, 2018.
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With this change to Agreement State status, the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (WDEQ) takes primacy over the regulation of Source and By-product Material Licenses (SML) in Wyoming.
These SML regulations were previously overseen by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).
The WDEQ will now be responsible for permitting and inspecting all uranium recovery operations in Wyoming, ensuring that operators maintain the highest standard for protection of public health and the environment.
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Peninsula managing director and chief executive officer Wayne Heili said: “The formalisation of Wyoming’s Agreement State status is the culmination of a process that commenced back in 2015 and it represents good news for Peninsula and Strata.
“We appreciate the support of Wyoming Governor Mead, the State Legislator and the hard work of the WDEQ in this initiative to enhance the regulatory environment for uranium recovery in the State.
“Our team looks forward to working with the WDEQ under this streamlined regulatory framework.”
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With Peninsula now transitioning to a low pH operation at Lance, the two most significant amendments to the existing licenses are the Permit to Mine (PTM) issued by the WDEQ and the SML, which will now also be administered by the WDEQ.
Under the new agreement, permitting of new projects, expansions or license renewals and amendments will be conducted almost entirely by the WDEQ going forward.
Prior to this State-NRC agreement, permitting of uranium recovery facilities in Wyoming was largely duplicated by state and federal agencies.
The Agreement State approach is designed to eliminate this duplication, resulting in more efficient regulatory processes for the State of Wyoming and its uranium producers alike.
