Navajo Nation, Havasupai Tribe Outraged by Secret Uranium Ore Transport Across Sacred Land

On July 30, truckloads of uranium ore from the Pinyon Plain Mine began a controversial journey, passing through the Navajo Nation without prior notice to tribal leaders. The Havasupai Tribe and Navajo Nation had previously been assured by Energy Fuels Resources, Inc. (EFRI) of a two-week advance notice before any transport.

Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren expressed his dismay, revealing that the trucks had already reached Utah by the time their leaders were informed. “They snuck through the Navajo Nation,” Nygren remarked, accusing EFRI of covertly moving uranium through Navajo lands against the tribe’s regulations.

Pinyon Plain Mine, located near the Grand Canyon, restarted operations in December 2023 amidst rising uranium demand. On January 8, EFRI informed the Kaibab National Forest about the extraction of uranium ore, marking the first removal in the mine’s history.

The transportation route traverses several tribal communities, significantly impacting lands of the Navajo, Hopi, Havasupai, and Ute Mountain Ute Tribes. The Havasupai Tribe issued a written statement condemning EFRI’s actions, accusing the company of undermining tribal sovereignty and engaging in self-serving practices.

The tribes have a long history of staunch opposition to uranium mining due to its adverse effects on their water sources and the health of their communities. The legacy of uranium extraction has been fraught with health hazards and environmental damage. From 1944 to 1986, nearly 30 million tons of uranium ore were mined from Navajo lands, leaving a legacy of contamination and health issues.

Navajo Nation Council Delegate Casey Allen Johnson and Council Speaker Crystalyne Curley criticized EFRI for endangering the health of tribal members by transporting uranium across their lands. The Navajo Nation has long-standing laws, such as the 2012 Radioactive and Related Substances, Equipment, Vehicles, Persons, and Materials Transportation Act, which prohibit the transport of uranium without proper notice and compliance.

In response to the breach, Nygren issued an executive order on July 31 requiring an agreement before any future transport of radioactive materials through Navajo land. The Havasupai Tribe and Navajo Nation are urging state and federal leaders to support their efforts to halt the illegal transport of uranium ore.

The Arizona Attorney General’s Office, informed on July 31, is investigating legal options to protect the health and safety of Arizonans. Likewise, Governor Katie Hobbs has engaged with both the Navajo Nation and EFRI in hopes of finding a resolution. Hobbs has also instructed state emergency services to collaborate with tribal law enforcement to develop a robust emergency response plan.

As negotiations continue, the temporary halt on ore shipments has been seen as an opportunity for constructive dialogue. Both tribal leaders and state officials are advocating for more transparency and better compliance with safety regulations regarding the transportation of toxic materials through tribal lands.