Environmental groups say they’ll sue to stop uranium mine near Grand Canyon from reopening

Groups say they’ll sue to stop Grand Canyon mine

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Environmental groups have given notice that they’ll sue the federal Bureau of Land Management over its decision to allow a uranium mine to reopen near the Grand Canyon.

Canadian mining company Denison Mines Corp. says it could reopen its mine about 20 miles north of the canyon by the end of the year. Dennison received the final state permit it needed last week.

The BLM says Denison has an approved mine plan and should be allowed to resume operations after closing the site about 20 years ago.

But the Center for Biological Diversity, the Grand Canyon Trust and the Sierra Club argue that the BLM is relying on an old environmental analysis and isn’t considering potential impacts on endangered species.

The notice the groups filed Tuesday says they plan to file a lawsuit in 60 days.