The newest exhibit at the local Western Museum of Mining and
Industry features reasons for the last great mining boom in
Colorado: uranium. The Atomic Energy Commission was offering a
subsidiary of $100 per pound for people finding uranium in the
1950s and ’60s.
The exhibit and lecture opens Feb. 21 and will feature a free
reception of light appetizers, beverages, and music. Reservations
are needed.
The guest lecturer for the evening will be Matt Mathisen, a
longtime uranium miner.
The exhibit also features a display of four Geiger counters made
in Colorado Springs by the now-defunct Atomic Research Corp. These
Geiger counters were the first to use earphones. The Geiger counter
picks up alpha, beta and gamma rays given off by radioactive
minerals.
The Heritage Lecture Series is scheduled for Feb. 28. Dr. Jim
Burnell, a geologist for the Colorado State Geologic Survey will
overview the historic, economic, environmental and energy questions
posed by the issues revolving around uranium mining in Colorado and
the importance of this resource worldwide.
Heritage Lecture Series is free, but donations are accepted.
Reservations are required.
Family Exploration Day is March 15. The theme is Women’s History
Celebration with Madame Curie. Reservations are required for this
popular event.
Among the reasons for renewed interest in nuclear power are the
tax breaks, loan guarantees and other subsidies in the Energy
Policy Act of 2005.
Uranium prices have risen from $30 per pound in 2004 to $95 per
pound in 2007. Prices will continue to rise as the need to feed 435
nuclear power plants in existence today will be joined by an
additional 27 new reactors that China plans to build in the next 15
years, and 17 that India plans to build in the next seven
years.
Uranium is hot and back by popular demand.
The Western Museum of Mining & Industry is at 225 North Gate
Blvd. at the Gleneagle exit eastbound from Interstate 25.