The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals has agreed to rehear an Indian Country case affecting a proposed uranium mine in New Mexico.

In April, a three-judge panel ruled that a 160-acre parcel was Indian Country due to its Navajo character. That would mean Hydro Resources Inc., a subsidiary of Uranium Resources Inc, has to seek federal approval for the mine.

An en banc panel of the 10th Circuit will hear the case again in January 2010, the Associated Press reported.

The Navajo Nation has banned mining on tribal lands.

Get the Story:
Appellate judges agree to rehear uranium case (AP 8/25)

10th Circuit Decision:
Hydro Resources v. US (April 17, 2009)

Related Stories:
Mining company weighs move in Indian Country case (4/23)
10th Circuit rules in Indian Country status case (4/20)
Navajos sue to stop uranium mine in New Mexico (2/13)
Indian Country ruling a victory for Navajo Nation (3/1)