After the Navajo Nation and the mining corporation negotiated a settlement, trucks will be able to move the uranium ore over the largest Native American reservation in the United States. Shipments of the ore from a resurrected mining operation just south of the Grand Canyon are anticipated to resume in February.
The agreement, which was made public on January 29, resolves a disagreement that started when Energy Fuels Inc. started transporting ore from the Pinyon Plain Mine to a Utah mill site last summer. When Navajo officials tried to erect obstacles, the trucks had already departed from tribal roads.
Negotiations with the firm were prompted by the controversy, and the Navajo Nation passed emergency legislation to tighten rules for moving radioactive material over tribal lands. Mining throughout World War II and the Cold War has been associated with a long and vile history of illness, death, and contamination for the Navajo Nation and other tribes in Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah.
Mark Chalmers, president and CEO of Energy Fuels, emphasized the significance of the settlement while acknowledging those enduring effects.
Chalmers stated that he was happy to be able to collaborate with the tribe to resolve the issues and guarantee that transportation will be carried out in a safe and courteous manner, acknowledging that this has obviously led to suspicion toward the US government and energy firms.
Federal agencies have previously established requirements that Energy Fuels must adhere to when shipping uranium ore. According to corporate executives, the steps specified in the Navajo Nation agreement offer extra security.
Energy Fuels has also committed to assist in the transportation of up to 10,000 tons of waste material from closed mines that are remnants of the federal government’s previous uranium operations as part of the arrangement.
According to Stephen B. Etsitty, director of the Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency, the agreement includes provisions for monetary compensation for enhancing safety and safeguarding the environment, in addition to enabling the Navajo Nation to monitor and inspect transport trucks.
The mine is anticipated to start shipping again in February. They will be restricted to certain routes and hours of the day, and no shipments will take place during public events or cultural celebrations held by the tribe.
Additionally, the corporation must have clear emergency response protocols in place, give sufficient notice, and guarantee that drivers have received additional training and credentials, according to the tribe.
In addition to provisions for escorts and blessings as the tribe deems appropriate, the vehicles will be covered to keep any dust from escaping during the way.
