Wyoming Launched Uranium Mine Reclamation Study

Researchers are testing coal char as a soil amendment to restore land at former uranium mining sites in Wyoming.

Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Environmental

Wyoming Launched Uranium Mine Reclamation Study

Live Poll

Do you believe scientific reclamation projects are an effective way to restore disturbed mining land?

The University of Wyoming, the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, and UR Energy USA have launched a five-year study to revitalize land at inactive uranium surface mines. The team is evaluating the use of coal char as a low-cost amendment to improve soil health and support native plant growth.

Why it matters

This study seeks to develop a cost-effective, sustainable alternative to biochar for improving soil moisture and porosity in disturbed environments. The data collected will help standardize future land restoration practices while fostering a new generation of reclamation professionals.

The project spans a five-year period, consisting of three years dedicated to field testing and two years for recovery monitoring. Researchers are utilizing coal char, a byproduct of high-temperature coal processing, as a primary soil amendment.

The players

University of Wyoming

This is a public research university that provides academic leadership and research resources for state-wide projects.

Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality

This is a state agency responsible for protecting and enhancing the environmental quality of Wyoming for the benefit of current and future generations.

UR Energy USA

This is a mining company that operates uranium production facilities and collaborates on site management initiatives.

The details

Scientists will apply coal char to test sites to measure improvements in soil porosity and native plant development. The study also provides direct funding for one doctoral candidate and multiple undergraduate students to participate in field operations and data analysis.

September 24, 2026: Project launch and start of field testing.
Years 1-3: Dedicated duration of the field testing phase.
Years 4-5: Duration of site recovery study and technology transfer.

The Big Picture

This project shifts the trajectory of land restoration by testing industrial byproducts against the National Research Council's guidelines for mine land reclamation. It serves to update current land management practices by integrating specific waste materials into broader ecological recovery models.

Successful findings could provide state regulators with a lower-cost toolkit for future reclamation projects, potentially reducing public expenses for site cleanup. Additionally, the project establishes a localized talent pipeline for students entering the environmental restoration workforce.

The takeaway

This partnership demonstrates how industrial waste products can potentially be repurposed to solve complex ecological challenges. Developing these methods locally ensures that reclamation strategies remain grounded in the specific soil and climate realities of the region.