Exploratory uranium drilling underway near Bears Ears National Monument [Video]

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Exploratory drilling operations for uranium are underway in southeastern Utah, a stone’s throw from Bears Ears National Monument. In response, one local conservation group is asking why the drilling was allowed so close to the protected area.

Two Canadian companies, both based in Vancouver, are behind the operations. Last year, Atomic Minerals Corporation entered into an agreement with Kraken Energy to develop 324 mining claims on more than 6,000 acres of public land in San Juan County.

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This area, known as the Harts Point Uranium Property, is on the other side of the road that marks the Bears Ears National Monument’s eastern boundary. The land is located between Moab and Monticello.

Last week, Kraken announced it mobilized Phase I of its drilling program,which would bring two exploratory drill pads to the Harts Point …