The Bureau of Land Management has approved early-stage infrastructure work for the proposed Dewey-Burdock uranium project in Fall River County.
The decision allows Powertech USA to begin limited construction on about 240 acres of federally managed land. Approved work includes building access roads, installing groundwater monitoring wells, and setting up overhead powerlines.
Officials say the activity will disturb roughly four acres of surface land and is intended to support the larger project planned on nearby private property.
The BLM emphasized that this approval does not permit uranium mining or processing on public land. That includes production wells, processing facilities, and wastewater storage.
Following an environmental review, the agency issued a finding of no significant impact. The review drew more than 700 public comments, raising concerns about groundwater safety, cultural resources, tribal interests, and environmental justice.
The BLM says it will continue monitoring the project through inspections and require safeguards to protect public land during construction.
Further approvals would still be needed before any mining operations could begin.
