DISA Technologies Breaks New Ground with NRC License for Uranium Mine Remediation

DISA Technologies Inc., a leading company in environmental remediation and mineral recovery, has achieved a monumental milestone by obtaining a groundbreaking Service Provider License (SPL) from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). This unprecedented license empowers DISA to tackle the challenge of remediating Abandoned Uranium Mine (AUM) waste across the western territories of the United States.

This SPL is notably the first of its kind, showcasing a transformative approach in how the nation addresses legacy uranium contamination, which has long posed environmental and health risks, particularly in tribal and rural communities. The successful approval of this license signals a new era of modern environmental management that prioritizes both public health and the restoration of contaminated lands.

The Significance of the NRC License

The NRC’s endorsement of DISA’s license not only sets a precedent but also aligns with the urgent national objectives of improving nuclear fuel supply chains while ensuring safety and efficiency in remediation processes. By providing a regulated pathway for remediation, DISA Technologies can now implement its innovative High-Pressure Slurry Ablation (HPSA) technology, which permits the safe and economical cleaning of AUM waste without the use of harmful chemicals.

The HPSA method stands out because it allows for the simultaneous recycling of uranium, a critical resource for nuclear power generation, and significantly reduces the volume of hazardous materials that would otherwise remain to be managed in landfills. This means that once-abandoned sites can now be transformed into spaces that are not only safe but also productive, effectively changing the landscape of environmental cleanup and resource recovery.

Key Figures and Support

The historical approval event saw notable figures, including NRC Chairman David A. Wright and U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis, express their commitment to supporting innovative solutions in environmental remediation. Senator Lummis emphasized the necessity for efficient approaches to cleanup efforts, particularly in regions like Wyoming where abandoned mines have left a significant mark on local communities.

Furthermore, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly highlighted the importance of this initiative for the Navajo Nation and other affected communities, noting that the consequences of AUMs have lingered for decades, impacting health and wellbeing.

“We have a clear, regulated pathway to do it faster, safer, and at lower cost—while recycling valuable resources that support our nation's energy future,” said Greyson Buckingham, DISA’s CEO, capturing the essence of this pivotal moment.

Collaborative Efforts and Future Aspirations

The license approval stems from years of collaboration between DISA Technologies and various federal and tribal partners, including the Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency (NNEPA). These partnerships form the backbone of the initiative, ensuring that cleanup efforts are not only effective but also community-centered.

Dr. Buu Nygren, President of the Navajo Nation, heralded this achievement as a critical breakthrough that blends modern technology with regulatory leadership—a combination that has the potential to reshape the future of contamination management across tribal lands.

DISA Technologies' innovative trajectory is supported by a coalition encompassing environmental organizations, academic institutions, and bipartisan congressional leaders advocating for the advanced handling of legacy mine cleanup.

Looking Ahead

While this NRC license represents a significant leap forward, it also opens the door for further advancements in addressing the complexities and challenges associated with uranium contamination. DISA's commitment to developing efficient and effective remediation solutions resonates with national interests in energy independence and environmental stewardship.

The partnership between DISA Technologies and various stakeholders marks the beginning of a transformative chapter in the ongoing battle against legacy waste, promoting a cleaner, more sustainable future for affected regions throughout the United States.

With the right resources and collaboration, the once-overlooked issues surrounding abandoned uranium mine sites can be effectively resolved, yielding both environmental and economic benefits that hold promise for generations to come.