Governor of Arizona secures temporary halt in transportation of uranium ore through Navajo Nation

A uranium producer has agreed to temporarily halt the transportation of uranium through the Navajo Nation following concerns raised by the tribe about potential impacts on the reservation. The pause came after Gov. Katie Hobbs intervened this week following discussions with Navajo President Buu Nygren, who aimed to test a tribal law prohibiting uranium transport on their land.

Energy Fuels had commenced hauling the ore from its mine south of Grand Canyon National Park to a processing site in Blanding, Utah earlier in the week, prompting Nygren to direct tribal police to halt the trucks. However, the trucks had already left the reservation by the time the police arrived.

In response to Nygren’s concerns, Energy Fuels announced a temporary pause to address the issues raised. The company had recently resumed mining at the Pinyon Plain Mine in northern Arizona due to increased uranium prices and global instability, as there are no other active uranium mining sites in Arizona.

Although Energy Fuels is legally permitted to resume transport at any time in accordance with licenses, permits, and federal laws, the company emphasized its commitment to complying with all relevant regulations. The company highlighted adherence to stringent international standards for material transport to safeguard human health and the environment.

While Energy Fuels is not obligated to provide advance notice of transport, the Navajo Nation, along with other stakeholders, stated that the company had verbally agreed to do so but failed to uphold the agreement on Tuesday. The Navajo Nation underscored the importance of having time to plan emergency responses and notifications before hauling activities.

Governor Hobbs noted that the temporary suspension of ore transportation will facilitate productive negotiations between the company and the tribe. Additionally, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes mentioned that her office is exploring legal avenues to ensure the health and safety of all residents.

The Navajo Nation enacted a law in 2012 prohibiting uranium transport across the reservation, which extends into Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. However, the law contains exemptions for state and federal highways designated as hauling routes by Energy Fuels.

Decades of mining activities during World War II and the Cold War have left a legacy of health issues, environmental contamination, and death on the Navajo Nation and in various communities nationwide. Concerns about potential water contamination have been expressed by tribes like the Havasupai and environmental advocates.