Energy Fuels Inc. and the Navajo Nation Department of Justice and Environmental Protection Agency have signed a landmark agreement governing the transport of uranium ore and the cleanup of abandoned uranium mines. Energy Fuels plans to resume ore transport from its Pinyon Plain Mine in Arizona to its White Mesa Mill in Utah in February 2025, with additional safety measures beyond existing federal requirements.
Mark Chalmers, president and CEO of Lakewood-based Energy Fuels, said, “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.” He expressed gratitude for the Navajo Nation’s willingness to collaborate on concerns regarding safe transportation.
Acting Attorney General Heather Clah said, “We appreciate the sincere approach the Energy Fuels’ negotiation team took with the Navajo Nation. They demonstrated a genuine understanding for the Navajo Nation’s and the Navajo People’s trauma regarding uranium and engaged as a partner in good faith to build a trusting relationship.” She expressed hope for Energy Fuels to fulfill its commitments to the Nation.
Under the agreement, Energy Fuels will implement several protective measures, including limiting transport to specific routes and times, ensuring no transport on days of cultural significance and establishing emergency response procedures. Additional requirements include insurance, driver training and obtaining transport licenses from the Navajo Nation.
Energy Fuels has also committed to transporting up to 10,000 tons of uranium-bearing cleanup materials from abandoned mines at no cost to the Navajo Nation and contributing to local safety programs and economic development related to uranium matters.
Negotiations began in August 2024 after Energy Fuels halted uranium ore shipments. The agreement allows the Navajo Nation to monitor and inspect haul trucks while providing financial compensation for safety improvements. Stephen B. Etsitty, executive director of the Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency, noted the importance of the settlement for oversight and environmental protection.
The agreement aims to restore trust and establish a constructive relationship between Energy Fuels and the Navajo Nation while ensuring the safety of uranium transportation, supporting environmental cleanup, and promoting local community development.
Energy Fuels is one of the largest uranium producers in the U.S.
