The Navajo Nation has reached a pivotal decision, allowing uranium ore shipments to traverse its lands once more. This development follows a previous stance by tribal leaders to halt such transportation from a mine near the Grand Canyon.
Energy Fuels, the company responsible for these shipments, has committed to confining the transport of uranium ore to designated routes and times. Additionally, they will avoid hauling during public ceremonies and cultural festivities, employing measures to contain dust and permitting Navajo Nation inspections of the shipments.
Stephen Etsitty, executive director of the Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency, commented, “We have put in place heightened safety measures for the communities where this transport will take place. And we have definitely received a lot more recognition of our role to do these protective measures by the company.”
Etsitty highlighted the tribe’s limited control over parts of the transportation path, such as U.S. Highways 89 and 160, which traverse the Navajo Nation, noting that officials have restricted authority over the materials transported there.
As part of the agreement, Energy Fuels has also pledged to assist in removing 10,000 tons of uranium waste from over 500 abandoned mines in and around the Navajo Nation. These sites are remnants of the Cold War-era uranium mining initiated by the U.S. government for nuclear armament purposes.
Mark Chalmers, President and CEO of Energy Fuels, stated, “The Navajo Nation has suffered longstanding impacts from uranium mining conducted during the cold war era, resulting in numerous abandoned mine and mill sites on their lands. This has understandably caused mistrust toward the U.S. government and energy companies. I am personally honored that the Navajo Nation was willing to work with us in good faith to address their concerns and ensure that uranium ore transportation through the Navajo Nation will be done safely and respectfully.”
The agreement further stipulates that Energy Fuels will establish a comprehensive emergency response strategy for potential spills and enhance driver training. The plan includes provisions for truck escorts and ceremonial blessings overseen by the tribe.
The controversy began last summer when Energy Fuels started transporting ore from Pinyon Plain Mine to a milling facility in Utah. Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren attempted to halt the trucks, citing a lack of prior notification from the company. The subsequent negotiations were facilitated by Gov. Katie Hobbs.
Despite the arrangements, opposition remains among some Navajo anti-uranium-mining advocates. Leona Morgan, co-founder of Haul No!, expressed dissent, stating, “Haul No! does not support this decision of allowing transportation through our Indigenous homelands. We will continue to work toward shutting down the mine and support local work to stop the White Mesa Mill. Our peoples have incredible need and urgency for uranium cleanup. However, efforts to clean up existing United States’ radioactive wastes should never be hand-in-hand with creating more toxic waste.”
Energy Fuels anticipates resuming uranium ore shipments in February.
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