Protests Continue as Uranium Shipments Remain Paused on Navajo Nation
Amidst ongoing protests and concerns from the Navajo Nation and Northern Arizona, the hauling of uranium across tribal lands remains at a standstill since August 1.
Energy Fuels initiated the mining of uranium ore at the Pinyon Plain Mine near the Grand Canyon in December. The company had plans to transport the uranium to a mill in Utah, sparking uproar among activists and the community.
After Governor Katie Hobbs’ administration brokered a pause in the shipments with Energy Fuels, Leona Morgan from Haul No! expressed cautious optimism about the temporary halt, emphasizing the need to shut down the mine completely.
Despite the pause, protests have persisted in the Navajo Nation and Northern Arizona, demanding a permanent resolution to the uranium transport issue.
State Senator Theresa Hatathlie, a Navajo Nation representative, echoed concerns over the health impacts of uranium exposure, citing personal experiences with her father who worked in a uranium mine. She stressed the importance of protecting indigenous communities and the environment.
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