Navajo Nation and Mining Company Engage in Negotiations Post Uranium Ore Transport Ban

Negotiations have commenced between the Navajo Nation and Energy Fuels Resources, Inc. (EFRI) regarding the transportation of uranium ore across Navajo lands to a processing facility in Utah. Governor Katie Hobbs’ office confirmed that both parties found the initial meeting to be productive, expressing a commitment to ongoing discussions aimed at reaching an agreement.

This dialogue follows a controversial event in late July when EFRI transported uranium ore through Navajo territory without prior notification or arrangements. The company, which operates the Pinyon Plain Mine, began moving uranium from the mine near the Grand Canyon to the White Mesa Mill in Blanding, Utah, starting July 30. The transportation routes traverse multiple tribal lands, impacting communities of the Navajo, Hopi, Havasupai, and Ute Mountain Ute tribes.

In response to these actions, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren issued an executive order on July 31, mandating that a formal agreement must be established before allowing the transport of radioactive materials across the tribe’s territory. This order is set to remain in effect for six months.

Shortly after this executive order, Governor Hobbs announced that her office facilitated a voluntary pause on the uranium transport while discussions continue. As of August 16, she reaffirmed that this agreement remains in effect, and communication between EFRI and the Navajo Nation is active.

Expressing optimism, Hobbs stated, “I’m glad that EFRI and Navajo Nation have begun conversations about their path forward and that EFRI has agreed to extend their voluntary pause on uranium ore transport through Navajo Nation lands.” She emphasized the importance of these negotiations, noting that while it is a positive step, further work is still required.

Hobbs’s administration plans to collaborate with the Navajo Nation’s emergency management team and Coconino County to enhance emergency response planning for potential accidents during transport. President Nygren expressed gratitude to Hobbs for her prompt action, allowing for the resolution of tribal concerns. EFRI also commended the governor’s efforts in facilitating this dialogue.

“Energy Fuels is grateful to the Navajo Nation for hosting what we believe was a very productive discussion on uranium ore transport,” said Mark Chalmers, President and CEO of EFRI. He expressed confidence that a suitable agreement would emerge, ensuring coordinated emergency management and public safety.

Despite ongoing negotiations, other state officials, tribal leaders, and environmental advocates have raised serious concerns regarding the operations at Pinyon Plain Mine. Protests have occurred along the proposed transport route, reflecting widespread apprehension about potential environmental and health impacts.

The Havasupai Tribe has condemned EFRI’s actions, expressing opposition to the mine based on its detrimental effects on sacred sites near the Grand Canyon. In late July, they criticized EFRI for proceeding without adequately informing their community.

Recently, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes submitted a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, urging the Forest Service to conduct a supplemental Environmental Impact Study (EIS) for the Pinyon Plain Mine. She pointed out that the original EIS, completed 38 years ago, is based on outdated information regarding risks to groundwater across the Grand Canyon region.

Mayes emphasized that the mine is situated on lands of significant cultural and historical importance, including the Baa Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni – Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument. She highlighted the Forest Service’s responsibility to manage these lands effectively, underlining the need for current data on the region’s hydrogeology.

“A supplemental EIS is now necessary because scientific advances in groundwater modeling unequivocally show that the 1986 EIS’s claim that the Mine is not a threat to regional water supplies is wrong,” Mayes stated. She warned that failing to update the EIS could lead to dire consequences, particularly for vulnerable communities like the Havasupai Tribe.