FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA - A U.S. task force has been given more time to recommend ways to revive domestic uranium mining as it lags amid low prices and global competition.
The Nuclear Fuel Working Group had been expected to deliver recommendations to President Donald Trump last week. But the Commerce Department said Trump granted a 30-day extension.
Uranium mining interests say the global market for uranium ore is vulnerable to political turmoil.
They want Trump to boost U.S. demand to help domestic suppliers. But the president rejected a requested quota during the summer and gave the task force 90 days to come up with other ideas.
Uranium is a vital component for the country's nuclear arsenal, submarines and nuclear power plants. Most of the U.S. supply comes from Canada and Australia, followed by Russia and former Soviet republics.