There won't be any exploration for uranium around Great Slave Lake this summer after the last of three companies pulled out of the area, prompting calls for the federal government to resolve land claims in the region.

The companies had applied for permits for what they said were small, low-impact exploration programs.

But last month, the Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board referred all three to environmental assessment, based on public concern.

That decision can cost a junior company tens of thousands of dollars in studies and legal fees, and months of delays.

Ur-Energy, the last to drop its plans, wanted to look for uranium just south of the Thelon Wildlife Sanctuary.

The privately-held company applied for a permit to set up a camp this summer and drill five holes.

It had initially agreed to go along with the environmental assessment, but after a hearing a couple of days ago, management had a change of heart.

No one from Ur-Energy wanted to do an interview.

"The hearing just went beyond what the company was prepared to deal with at this time for a grassroots, very simple low-impact exploration program," says Mike Vaydik, general manager of the N.W.T. Chamber of Mines.

A public meeting scheduled for Lutsel K'e next week has been cancelled.

No one from the band was available to comment, but in a letter they say the project will infringe on their treaty rights.

Band members want to control the pace of development.

Vaydik wants to see these issues cleared up, and certainty created for exploration companies.

"Land claims have to be settled or very close to being settled so that companies know who the landlord is and what the rules are," he says.

Ur-Energy has said it will re-apply for a permit in the fall.