Agreement allows Energy Fuels to ship ore across Navajo Nation

Energy Fuels and the Navajo Nation came to an agreement to continue transportation of uranium ore across federal and state highways on the Navajo Nation.
The agreement comes after transportation from the Pinyon Plain Mine in Arizona to the White Mesa Mill in San Juan County was paused in August, 2024.
With an agreement in place, tranportation will resume this month.
Energy Fuels has agreed to add additional protections on top of existing US Department of Transportation requirements.
Among the concessions include limiting transportation to specified routes and hours, including not transporting ore on days with celebrations or public events, as well as provisions for escorts and blessings at the discretion of the Navajo Nation.
The agreement also spells out emergency response procedures, noticing and reporting requirements, including inspection procedures to enable the Navajo Nation to ensure applicable rules and agreements are satisfied.
The agreement also requires additional driver qualification and training requirements, including Navajo Nation transport licenses, state-of-the-art cover systems to prevent dust from trucks, and additional insurance requirements.
Energy Fuels President Mark Chalmers 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.
“This has understandably caused mistrust toward the U.S. government and energy companies. I am personally 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.”
Acting Navajo Nation Attorney General Heather Clah said, “The Energy Fuels’ negotiation team demonstrated a genuine understanding for the Navajo People’s trauma regarding uranium and engaged as a partner in good faith to build a trusting relationship.”
Additionally, Energy Fuels will accept transport up to 10,000 tons of uranium-bearing materials from abandoned uranium mines within the Navajo Nation. These sites are from old U.S. government uranium programs that began in the 1940s and in which Energy Fuels had no involvement.
Energy Fuels will contribute to Navajo Nation transportation safety programs, education, the environment, public health and welfare, and local economic development relating to uranium matters.
Negotiation of the agreement began in August after the company voluntarily halted shipments of uranium ore, and involved numerous meetings between the company and the Nation’s senior leadership.
Stephen B. Etsitty, Executive Director of the Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency, said, “The settlement agreement 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.
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs said: “This marks an important step forward for our communities and shows what is possible through collaboration, partnership, and a shared commitment to public safety.
hisI’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 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.”
Chalmers continued: “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.
“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.”
Energy Fuels’ operating mines and processing facilities mentioned here are fully permitted and subject to continuous oversight from state and federal regulators. The company has a strong track record of safeguarding human health, protecting the environment, and ensuring regulatory compliance, often exceeding stringent U.S. standards in mining, transport, and mineral processing.
Energy Fuels (and its predecessor) safely hauled several hundred thousand tons of uranium ore and other materials on state and federal highways and interstates that cross the Navajo Nation between 2007 and 2024 with no incidents resulting in the spillage or release of ore.
Measures outlined in the agreement provide additional layers of protection for the Navajo and others, beyond the rigorous standards set by the USDOT.
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. Mining and milling “natural uranium” represent the first steps in the nuclear fuel cycle to produce 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.