DENVER, CO – The Navajo Nation and Energy Fuels, a U.S. producer of uranium, rare earth elements (REE), and critical minerals, have announced the signing of a landmark agreement governing the transport of uranium ore along federal and state highways crossing the Navajo Nation. Ore transport from Energy Fuels’ Pinyon Plain Mine in northern Arizona to the company’s White Mesa Mill in southern Utah is now expected to resume in February 2025.
“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,” said Mark Chalmers, Energy Fuels President and CEO. “I am honored that the Navajo Nation was willing to work with us in good faith to address their concerns and ensure that uranium ore transportation through the Navajo Nation will be done safely and respectfully.”
“We appreciate the sincere approach the Energy Fuels’ negotiation team took with the Navajo Nation,” said Navajo Nation Acting Attorney General Heather Clah. “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. We look forward to Energy Fuels fulfilling their commitments to the Nation.”
Under the agreement, Energy Fuels has agreed to add additional protections and accommodations over and above the existing, strict U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) requirements, including:
- Limiting transportation to specified routes and hours of the day
- Not transporting ore on days involving celebrations or public events in respect of the Navajo Nation’s culture and traditions
- Clearly spelled out emergency response procedures, notice and reporting requirements
- Additional insurance requirements
- Additional driver qualification and training requirements
- Obtaining Navajo Nation transport licenses
- Use of state-of-the-art cover systems to prevent fugitive dust from transport trucks
- Provisions for escorts and blessings at the discretion of the Nation
- Additional inspection procedures that will enable the Navajo Nation to ensure that all applicable rules and agreements are being satisfied
Additionally, the company has committed to accepting and transporting, at no cost to the Nation, up to 10,000 tons of uranium-bearing cleanup materials from abandoned uranium mines within the Navajo Nation, which are primarily an unfortunate relic of old U.S. government uranium programs that began in the 1940s, in which Energy Fuels had no involvement. The company has also committed to make further contributions to support the Nation’s transportation safety programs, education, the environment, public health and welfare, and local economic development on the Navajo Nation relating to uranium matters. Negotiation of the agreement began in August 2024, after the company voluntarily halted shipments of uranium ore, and has involved numerous in-person and virtual meetings between the company and the Nation’s senior leadership.
“We have a settlement agreement that will allow the Navajo Nation to monitor and inspect the haul trucks and that provides financial compensation for the expenses to improve safety and protect the environment,” said Stephen B. Etsitty, the Executive Director of the Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency. “The Navajo Nation appreciates the support from Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs who facilitated the pause in transport activities, which helped the Navajo Nation and Energy Fuels conduct the negotiations.”
“Today marks an important step forward for our communities and shows what is possible through collaboration, partnership, and a shared commitment to public safety,” said Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs. “I’m proud to have brought Energy Fuels and Navajo Nation to the table so they could come to an agreement that addresses the Nation’s long-standing concerns and includes enhanced emergency response plans. I want to thank President Nygren, Navajo Nation leadership, and Energy Fuels for their commitment to finding common ground. This sets an example of collaboration and progress that we can all learn from. This agreement isn’t just about resolving a conflict; it’s a commitment to protecting future generations, respecting tribal sovereignty and ensuring that all voices are heard and valued. I’m committed to continue working on real solutions that prioritize the safety of all Arizonans.”
“We are proud to be a part of a historic agreement with the Navajo Nation, and we are committed to fulfilling our promises to them,” added Chalmers. “We hope this agreement marks the beginning of a constructive relationship that restores trust with our neighbors, while also paving the way for future collaborations on cleanups and other areas of shared interest.”
The ore from Energy Fuels’ Pinyon Plain Mine will be processed at the White Mesa Mill into natural uranium concentrates (U3O8), which are used in the production of clean, baseload nuclear energy. The mining and milling of “natural uranium” represent the first steps in the nuclear fuel cycle for producing zero-emission energy to the national electric grid. Nuclear energy, which is seeing a global resurgence due to it being a clean, reliable and affordable source of energy, currently provides roughly 18% of all electricity generated in the U.S., including 46% of all carbon-free electricity, according to data from the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI).
