Navajo Nation-Owned Energy Firm Seeks Coal Mine Expansion Amidst Concerns
In a bid to secure economic stability, the Navajo Nation’s energy enterprise is exploring the possibility of extending a coal mine’s operations in northwestern New Mexico, potentially extending its life by over a century. This move comes as coal’s role in the U.S. energy landscape is anticipated to diminish, with the closure of coal-fired plants becoming more prevalent in the future.
Proponents of the Navajo Transitional Energy Company’s (NTEC) initiative argue that it is vital for the economic health and autonomy of the tribe. The company is currently seeking approval from the U.S. Office of Surface Mining, Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) for a coal surface mining permit in a section known as the No Name area, which lies within the current Navajo Mine lease.
However, this proposal has faced opposition from residents of the Burnham Chapter near the mine, supported by the environmental group DINÉ C.A.R.E. Devon Norberto, a representative for DINÉ C.A.R.E., expressed concerns over the perceived haste of the mine’s expansion process, citing insufficient notification and involvement of the local community in the environmental review.
At a recent press conference in Window Rock, Burnham resident Dáilan J. Long highlighted the need for greater transparency, noting a lack of awareness among leaders about the 110-year permit consideration. “We are asking for transparency,” Long emphasized. “It astounds me right now that many of our leaders right now don’t even know that the 110-year permit is on the table.”
The Navajo Mine’s solitary customer is the Four Corners Power Plant, which is operated by Arizona Public Service Co. and is expected to shut down by 2038. DINÉ C.A.R.E. and local residents are advocating for tribal leadership to challenge NTEC’s proposal, urging for the withdrawal and revocation of the permit.
Norberto pointed out the potentially adverse effects on Burnham residents, such as displacement from ancestral lands and loss of grazing areas. “It would relocate some of the families within the leasing area that they are trying to mine at,” he explained.
In response, NTEC stated in an email to KNAU that the permit application is part of a routine five-year renewal process, not an endeavor to open new mining areas. “NTEC’s participation in the public process surrounding the No Name Permit has been appropriate and transparent at every stage,” the statement assured.
Despite the company’s claim of transparency, the specific buyers for the coal, should the mine continue operations for 110 years, remain unmentioned. NTEC maintains its role as a key economic contributor to the Navajo Nation, employing a significant number of American Indians in its operations.
However, the economic benefits are being weighed against potential health risks. Norberto cited various health issues linked to coal mining activities, including black lung disease, as suffered by some former miners who have publicly shared their experiences. The environmental and health implications of extending the mine’s life are still a pressing concern for those living within its vicinity.
The OSMRE is expected to make a decision regarding the No Name permit, along with an environmental impact statement, by August.
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