Navajo Nation and Energy Fuels Inc. Begin Negotiations Over Uranium Ore Transport

Gov. Katie Hobbs announced that the Navajo Nation and Energy Fuels Inc. have initiated negotiations over uranium ore transport.Photo byMick KirchmanonUnsplash

PHOENIX — Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs announced that the Navajo Nation and Energy Fuels Resources Inc. (EFRI) have initiated good-faith negotiations regarding the transportation of uranium ore.

The discussions follow an incident in which Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren dispatched tribal police to intercept two trucks carrying uranium ore from the Pinyon Plain mine to the White Mesa Mill in Utah.

The trucks, carrying about 50 tons of ore, crossed into Utah before police could intervene.

The hauling route begins south of the Grand Canyon, includes major roadways such as I-40 and Highway 89, and passes through Flagstaff, the Hopi Reservation, and the Navajo Nation.

“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,” Hobbs said in a press release dated Aug. 16.

“My administration is committed to working with Navajo Nation’s emergency management team and Coconino County to support emergency response planning for road incidents. This is an important first step, but the work is not done.”

EFRI, a Canadian company, owns the Arizona mine and Utah mill. The transportation of uranium ore through Navajo lands has sparked significant safety concerns among tribal leaders, leading to the halt.

Energy Fuels President and CEO Mark Chalmers expressed appreciation for the Navajo Nation’s involvement, stating, “Energy Fuels is grateful to the Navajo Nation for hosting what we believe was a very productive discussion on uranium ore transport. 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.”

Negotiations are expected to continue in the coming weeks as both parties work toward a resolution that addresses the Navajo Nation's concerns and ensures the safety of all involved.

Nygren thanked Hobbs for her swift intervention, saying, “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.”