Uranium transportation negotiations kick off between Navajo and mining company

The Navajo Nation and Energy Fuels are now hashing out details to figure out the best path forward on uranium ore transportation from the Pinyon Plain Mine to White Mesa Mill in Blanding, Utah.

“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 while these good-faith negotiations continue,” Gov. Katie Hobbs stated on Friday afternoon.

Earlier this month, the Navajo Nation unsuccessfully sent out law enforcement in hopes to thwart two trucks with uranium ore from being driven across the reservation. However, the company said that not only did they follow safety regulations, but they did not promise a two-week notice to the nation in a prior stakeholder meeting with tribal leadership.

Although the state government does not technically have jurisdiction over the Navajo Nation or the company, the Hobbs administration is appearing to serve as a mediator between the mine's operator and the tribe. Hobbs stated on Friday afternoon that her administration is prepping with tribal and Coconino County leadership if any "road incident" occur involving the material and hopes both stakeholders can achieve "an acceptable solution."

“I want to thank Governor Hobbs for her quick action in putting Energy Fuels transport of uranium ore on hold while we work through our concerns,” Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren stated.

Since then, Energy Fuels agreed to a pause on transporting the ore, which is used to develop nuclear energy, and Nygren issued an Executive Order preventing "radioactive material" from being transported through the reservation without a proper agreement.

The company also seems to be pleased with the ongoing talks, even though it decided to stop transportation the ore for the time being.

“Energy Fuels is grateful to the Navajo Nation for hosting what we believe was a very productive discussion on uranium ore transport,” Energy Fuels President and CEO Mark Chalmers stated. “We also wish to thank Governor Hobbs for helping to facilitate this meeting. Based on these discussions, we believe the parties will be able to come to a reasonable agreement that ensures coordinated emergency management and the protection of public health and safety at all times, matters which are of prime importance to both the Navajo Nation and Energy Fuels. We look forward to continuing our discussions in the coming weeks.”

Earlier this week, Attorney General Kris Mayes requesting the United States Forest Service conduct a new environmental impact study on the mine, as Energy Fuels said that the existing information available continues to hold up in court, The Center Square reported.