Greeley, Colo. (AP) A Grand Junction company is in the early stages of a uranium exploration operation project in Northern Colorado.

Geovic Mining Corporation says it's spent nearly $3 million to acquire mineral rights leases on 15,500 acres in northern Colorado and southeastern Wyoming. It has yet to file for initial permits with Weld County.

The move comes as companies are restarting efforts to mine uranium across the west in the wake of rising prices and demand for nuclear power plants.

Powertech Uranium is another company in the process of gaining permits for exploration in the same region.

Lilias Jarding, who is with a group fighting the Powertech project, says there are six proposed uranium mining operations for northern Colorado.