Uran to appeal failed Czech exploration application

West Perth-based uranium explorer Uran Ltd has lodged an appeal against a decision by authorities in the Czech Republic to decline its application to explore the significant Brzkov deposit.

The decision, handed down by the Ministry of Environment, was based on the objections of local communities who raised concerns over the potential environmental consequences of Uran's activities, and the inadequate rehabilitation of previous exploration sites.

Uranium exploration and mining is also contrary to the government's State Raw Materials Policy, however, Uran said its legal advice maintained that the policy was not binding on the government.

In 2007, the government consented to continued exploration and mining at the state owned Rozna uranium mine for an unlimited period of time, Uran said.

The company said the same line of arguments was used by the government to reject its previous exploration licence applications for the Jamne, Polna and Veznice deposits.

While Uran's applications had been rejected by the Ministry of Environment, the company said the standpoint of the Ministry of Industry and Trade had been "unambiguously positive" and state uranium mining company DIAMO s.p. had expressed its support for Uran's intention.

Uran is of the opinion that further exploration is required to allow an estimate of a JORC mineral resource and to provide a basis for engineering and environmental impact studies.

Aside from interests in the Czech Republic, Uran has projects in nearby Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Ukraine and two exploration permits pending in central Bulgaria.

Uran shares closed 5.8 per cent down at 24 cents.