"Grand Canyon Uranium Mining Ban Upheld By Federal Court'

"A 20-year ban on uranium mining near the Grand Canyon will remain in place after the U.S. District Court in Arizona ruled Tuesday against mining groups that sued the federal government.

Mining associations and other groups with a stake in the industry argued that the U.S. Department of the Interior had erred in a 2012 decision to ban new mining for 20 years on more than 1 million acres of public land near the national park. They argued the ban was based on "overly cautious," speculative environmental risks. The withdrawal decision was based on studies assessing potential impacts on water, soil and other resources.

The ban prohibits the exploration and development of new claims but does not affect previously approved mining."

Brenna Goth reports for the Arizona Republic September 30, 2014.