Annual report [Section 13 and 15(d), not S-K Item 405]

Asset Retirement Obligations

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Asset Retirement Obligations
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Asset Retirement Obligations  
Asset Retirement Obligations

15.Asset Retirement Obligations

Asset retirement obligations (“ARO”) relate to the Lost Creek mine and Shirley Basin and are equal to the current estimated reclamation cost escalated at inflation rates ranging from 0.74% to 5.20% and then discounted at credit adjusted risk-free rates ranging from 0.33% to 9.61%. Current estimated reclamation costs include costs of closure, reclamation, demolition and stabilization of the well fields, processing plants, infrastructure, aquifer restoration, waste dumps, and ongoing post-closure environmental monitoring and maintenance costs. The schedule of payments required to settle the future reclamation extends through 2040.

The present value of the estimated future closure estimate is presented in the following table.

Asset Retirement Obligations

    

Total

December 31, 2022

 

30,701

Change in estimated reclamation costs

 

38

Accretion expense

 

497

December 31, 2023

 

31,236

Change in estimated reclamation costs

 

4,861

Accretion expense

 

760

December 31, 2024

 

36,857

The restricted cash discussed in note 8 relates to the surety bonds provided to the governmental agencies for these and other reclamation obligations.