A uranium ore transport incident has raised fresh safety concerns within the Navajo Nation. This past Tuesday, a semi-truck overturned on U.S. 160 close to Black Mesa, causing renewed scrutiny of uranium transport practices.
The vehicle, belonging to Energy Fuels Resources, was en route from the White Mesa Uranium Mill in Blanding, Utah, and was empty at the time of the accident, according to the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS). Bart Graves, a spokesperson for DPS, confirmed, “So the actual trailer bed was empty at the time of the rollover, and in that case, HAZMAT teams from [Arizona Department of Transportation] and DPS did not respond.”
This marks the second incident involving uranium transport trucks since Energy Fuels Resources commenced operations across the Navajo Nation in July 2024. A prior accident in May involved a haul truck being sideswiped while traveling from the Pinyon Plain uranium mine to the Utah mill.
Leona Morgan, a Navajo Nation member and co-founder of the environmental group Haul No!, has urged regulatory bodies to investigate. She advocates for stricter regulations on uranium ore transportation, stating, “I think that’s something ADOT needs to do… This is up to the local communities to start raising their concerns and putting more stronger regulations in place, larger fines and fees.”
In January 2025, an agreement was reached between Energy Fuels and the Navajo Nation concerning uranium transport, which prohibits such activities during bad weather, holidays, and local events. On the day of the crash, a flash flood watch was issued due to monsoon storms in northern Arizona, affecting areas like Black Mesa.
Navajo Police identified weather as a contributing factor to the crash, which occurred amid heavy rain. Bart Graves explained, “The call says the driver may have lost control during a heavy downpour.” The driver sustained minor injuries and was taken to a hospital in Kayenta, where he was discharged the same day.
Energy Fuels’ senior vice president, Curtis Moore, mentioned that both the company and Navajo Police are investigating the accident, though further details were not disclosed.
Community unease regarding uranium mining persists, with Robyn Jackson, executive director of DINÉ C.A.R.E, expressing, “Energy Fuels needs to end their operations immediately and discontinue possible risk to our region and environment.”
Meanwhile, scientists from the Burned Area Emergency Response Team have noted that the 27,000-acre Pocket Fire has heightened flash flood risks, although it predominantly burned at a low intensity.
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