A Nuclear Regulatory Commission judge has rejected a challenge to uranium mining at four sites on and near the Navajo Nation.

Hydro Resources Inc., a New Mexico company, wants permission to mine at two sites on the reservation and two sites nearby. But a group called the Eastern Navajo Dine Against Uranium Mining is worried that the plan will pollute groundwater.

According to the Associated Press, NRC Judge E. Roy Hawkens ruled against the Navajos. An appeal to the full commission is planned.

The Navajo Nation has banned uranium mining but the ban might not apply because two of the four sites are not on the reservation.

Get the Story:
Uranium to be mined at Crownpoint, Church Rock (AP 7/27)

Relevant Links:
Eastern Navajo Dine Against Uranium Mining - http://www.endaum.org
Nuclear Regulatory Commission - http://www.nrc.gov

Related Stories:
Mining an issue as Navajo Nation Council meets (04/20)
Nuclear panel halts uranium mining at Navajo sites (03/03)