Energy Fuels announces agreement on transport of uranium through Navajo Nation

Energy Fuels (UUUU) 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. This has understandably caused mistrust toward the U.S. government and energy companies,” said Energy Fuels’ President and CEO Mark Chalmers. “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.” Under the agreement, Energy Fuels has agreed to add additional protections and accommodations over and above the existing, strict U.S. Department of Transportation 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; and additional inspection procedures that will enable the Navajo Nation to ensure that all applicable rules and agreements are being satisfied. The ore from Energy Fuels’ Pinyon Plain Mine will be processed at the White Mesa Mill into natural uranium concentrates, or U3O8, which are used in the production of clean, baseload nuclear energy.