Uranium, long the flag bearer of nuclear power around the world, has begun to take hold in North Shore, a small coastal town in Alaska. In a town already heavily steeped in energy production, chiefly through the oil and gas industry, there is a palpable buzz around the possibility of an alternative form of generation that is becoming increasingly attractive as both global and local demand for electricity continues to rise.
It all started with a proposal in 2016 from a Canadian company called Uranium One to explore conservation land in the North Shore area, with the intention of possibly mining tout uranium deposits there. With Alaska already boasting abundant resources for fossil fuel production, it may seem plausible to pursue a venture of this kind in an effort to diversify energy production and help meet the ever-growing demand for electricity.
The project has not been an easy undertaking, however, and as of yet the company has not been able to secure the necessary permits. It has encountered vehement opposition from locals, citing environmental, economic, and health concerns. On the other hand, the mining industry is mourning over the ‘lost jobs’ that would no doubt be created in the process of constructing and managing the mine.
Amidst the debate, however, the Alaska Department of Natural Resources has taken the middle ground by allowing the proposal to move forward with more rigorous environmental mitigation measures. This could ultimately mean that, if balanced effectively, these plans do not have to lead to any serious compromise on environmental and economic standards for the region.
Furthermore, with Alaska experiencing some of the fastest rising energy demands in the US, an assessment of the prospective benefits of uranium mining over a long-term period must be conducted as part of the decision-making process.
However, there are some important considerations here. It is imperative, first and foremost, that comprehensive research into the environmental and safety factors surrounding uranium production is taken into account. In addition, the locals also need to be consulted in the process to ensure that their concerns are heard.
Ultimately, the North Shore of Alaska presents an interesting case study of a potential energy source that could help the town reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and move towards a more sustainable energy production system. With all of the cons and pros taken into account, and a comprehensive research into safety and environmental standards conducted, it will be up to the local authorities to make the decision on how to proceed.