The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals is heard two uranium development cases on Monday.

Both cases affect plans by Hydro Resources Inc. to develop uranium mines in New Mexico. The company owns a 160-acre parcel that is surrounded by a predominantly Navajo community.

The Environmental Protection Agency considers the land to be Indian Country. In HRI v. EPA, No. 07-9506, the 10th Circuit heard the company's challenge to the land determination.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued a permit that would allow uranium development. In Southwest Research and Information Center v. US, No. 07-9505, Navajo residents say their water supply would be damaged by the mine.

Get the Story:
Court hears mine challenge (AP 5/13)
Court hears jurisdictional arguments on N.M. uranium mining (AP 5/12)
Mining challenge goes to court (The Gallup Independent 5/12)

Related Stories:
10th Circuit to hear Indian Country uranium case (5/12)
Uranium company to fight Indian Country status (2/27)