Additionally, the proposed rule would also ease administrative timelines for decommissioning radioactive materials facilities and nuclear reactors and ensuring safety.
ISR facilities are special industrial plants used to extract uranium from underground ore deposits by dissolving the metal underground and pumping the liquid to the surface.
The rule addresses two distinct areas of NRC oversight. First, it would establish risk-informed criteria for protecting drinking water from radiological and non-radiological contamination near ISR facilities. This is where uranium ends up extracted from underground deposits by injecting fluids into ore-bearing rock.
Second, it would streamline the process for extending decommissioning timelines. It would cut redundant administrative steps that facility owners currently face when winding down operations.
Reduce Costs
NRC officials said the changes should reduce costs for applicants. They should also avoid premature license terminations that can result from rigid timeline requirements.
“This proposed rule reflects the NRC’s commitment to protecting public health by putting a framework into place establishing clear, enforceable standards for groundwater safety near uranium recovery sites,” said NRC Executive Director for Operations Mike King. “At the same time, we are closing the gap in our regulations, improving regulatory efficiency, and providing greater certainty for both communities and facility operators.”
ISR is currently seeing action at 16 uranium recovery facilities in the U.S. and officials consider it a lower-impact alternative to conventional mining.
The public has 30 days after the rule’s publication in the Federal Register to submit comments at regulations.gov. They can look under Docket ID NRC-2025-1204.