Uranium Energy Launches First New U.S. ISR Mine in Over a Decade

Uranium Energy Launches First New U.S. ISR Mine in Over a Decade

"The startup of Burke Hollow is a significant achievement."

Raeylee Barefield
Raeylee Barefield
April 21, 2026

Uranium Energy Corp (UEC) has officially commenced production at its Burke Hollow project in South Texas after receiving approval from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, marking the first new in-situ recovery (ISR) uranium operation in the United States in more than ten years.

The Burke Hollow site represents a major milestone for domestic uranium production and expands UEC's growing footprint. With existing operations in Wyoming and South Texas, the company is now the only U.S. uranium producer operating two active ISR hub-and-spoke platforms.

CEO Amir Adnani described the development as a long-term achievement.

"The startup of Burke Hollow is a significant achievement... advancing the project from a grassroots discovery in 2012 to production in 2026," he said, emphasizing the company's strategy to scale production while remaining fully exposed to market demand.

Federal and state leaders also praised the project's significance.

"UEC's recent production achievements in Texas and Wyoming highlight the importance of uranium production as the foundation of a secure, domestic nuclear fuel cycle," said U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, highlighting uranium's role in national security. "This progress shows we can build it here and lead from here."

Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) added that the project would "strengthen America's domestic nuclear fuel cycle and solidify Texas as a world energy leader."

Burke Hollow is considered the largest ISR uranium discovery in the U.S. in the past decade, with only half of its roughly 20,000-acre property explored. Production will be processed at the Hobson Central Processing Plant, which is licensed to produce up to 4 million pounds of uranium annually.

UEC plans to continue expanding its operations, with the Ludeman ISR project expected to begin production in 2027, further strengthening its position in the domestic nuclear fuel supply chain.

The launch of Burke Hollow signals renewed momentum in U.S. uranium production, underscoring growing policy support for nuclear energy and efforts to rebuild a secure, domestic fuel supply chain.

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Raeylee Barefield

Raeylee Barefield

Raeylee Barefield is a Legislative Correspondent based in Austin, Texas, specializing in state government and public policy. With one year of reporting under her belt, she covers legislative developments, committee hearings, and policy debates. She has been cited by Texas Politics and Big Energy for her coverage and analysis of legislative and regulatory issues. Her reporting typically focuses on Public policy, Stare government, environmental policy, and energy regulation. To contact her, please reach out at [email protected]

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