Midnite Uranium Mine, Washington

The Midnite uranium mine is located on the Spokane Indian Reservation about eight miles from Wellpinit in eastern Washington.

Radioactive Contamination

The Midnite mine, which operated from 1955 until 1981, is an open-pit uranium mine located on the Spokane Indian reservation in eastern Washington.  The Dawn Mill site, located just off the reservation, processed the uranium.  In the 1990s, it became apparent that both were leaking radioactive contamination. 

Groundwater and neighboring streams, such as Blue Creek, have been contaminated with radioactive materials.  Elevated radiation levels have been detected in the community along the route by which the uranium ore was trucked to the mill   The mine has also contaminated surface and ground water with heavy metals and acid mine drainage.

To prevent further environmental harm from mine waste, contaminated ground water and surface water runoff from the Midnite Mine, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed that the site be designated a Superfund site in 1999.  It was approved in 2000.

"Insufficient Funds"

Dawn Mining Co., owner and operator of the mine, lacks sufficient funds to decontaminate the site and complete reclamation.  However, Newmont Gold Inc., Dawn's parent company, is one of the largest mining companies in the world.   The EPA has notified Newmont of its potential liability.  However, Newmont has vigorously resisted responsibility.  If the EPA is unable to make Newmont or Dawn pay, cleanup costs will become the responsibility of the taxpayer.

Threat to Human Health?

The Spokane Tribe is particularly concerned about the human health threat posed by exposure to radioactive materials.  The EPA is completing studies to evaluate the health risks and to develop a cleanup plan for the site.