The Tformer Mecsek underground uranium mine operated from 1956 to 1997, when it was closed due to being uneconomical and was remediated at considerable expense (about $170 million). In 2006, an Australian company, WildHorse Energy joined with state-owned Mecsekérc to assess the feasibility of restarting uranium mining in the Mecsek Hills near Pecs in southern Hungary adjacent to the former mine. Inferred resources are of about 11,600 tonnes of uranium (tU). The high prices of uranium is one of the reasons driving the proposed re-start of operations. The government has said it wants to involve local governments and local citizens in a decision on the issue. The local Nemecz movement opposes the reopening of the mine. |