Lost Creek: Wyoming’s Uranium Revival, America’s Largest Producer

Ur-Energy Inc. CEO John Cash’s work is not for the faint of heart. At his uranium production plant in Lost Creek, Wyoming, he ensures the cleanliness and safety of his workers amidst the vast ocean of radiation that surrounds them.

The handwashing ritual at the uranium production site is not a joke, as Cash makes sure every particle of uranium is removed from his hands and bottom of his shoes with the help of a Geiger counter. With over 60 workers carpooling in from different cities, the importance of maintaining high hygiene standards cannot be overstated.

Lost Creek is the nation’s largest producer of uranium, with a staggering production of 22,278 pounds in 2023. The operation is crucial, given Wyoming’s dominance in the sector, producing nearly all the uranium mined in the United States.

The mining operation at Lost Creek involves drilling deep into the ground to tap into the rich uranium deposits. The process includes injecting carbon dioxide to aid in the mining process, making it a meticulous and systematic approach.

After the uranium is extracted, it is turned into yellowcake powder at the production plant. The yellowcake is stored in drums and later transported over 1,300 miles to Illinois for further processing into nuclear fuel for power plants.

Despite challenges and market fluctuations in the uranium industry, Ur-Energy is optimistic about the future. The company has expanded its operations to the Shirley Basin, doubling its production capacity to meet the growing demand for uranium.

With increasing spot prices for uranium, Ur-Energy is gearing up to maximize its production and solidify its position as a key player in the uranium market. The journey to extract and process uranium is fraught with challenges, but for John Cash and Ur-Energy, it’s a mission they are committed to for the sake of energy security and progress.