- Details
- By Darren Thompson
The newly designated Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument in northern Arizona does not prohibit mining as touted. Rather, all valid existing rights to minerals within the monument, including uranium, will be preserved, White House officials told Bloomberg.
One of the main rallying points to designating nearly one million acres of greater Grand Canyon landscape sacred to tribal nations and Indigenous peoples was to protect the region from mining.
The designation came less than a month after the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) hosted a public meeting on July 18, where citizens commented to leaders from federal agencies about the proposed monument.
Many tribes said in press releases that the new monument’s designation prohibits mining within its boundaries.
However, the designation doesn’t block the permitted uranium and other precious metals mines in the region, such as copper. Energy Fuels Inc. said in an interview with Native News Online that it plans to proceed with mining uranium at its existing Pinyon Plain Mine.
“All National Monuments are subject to valid existing rights,” said Energy Fuels’ Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Development Curtis Moore in an interview with Native News Online.
Moore said that the company’s mine has valid existing rights that have been affirmed by federal courts.
“Future projects are probably much more in question,” Moore said. The mine is expected to operate in the next couple of years, and once it begins mining it will only operate for a few years, Moore said. After the resource is depleted, Moore said, the company plans to reclaim the land the way it was before mining.
Tribes did not respond to Native News Online requests for comment.
Energy Fuels Inc.’s shareholder reports can be viewed here.
More Stories Like This
Oak Flat Appraisals Reveal Sweetheart Deal to Resolution CopperZuni Youth Enrichment Project Will Host Earth Day Cleanup on Tuesday, April 22 at Ho’n A:wan Park
Bad River Band’s Fight Against Enbridge’s Line 5 Continues
In Disgust, Michigan Tribes Back Away from Enbridge Line 5 Talks
New Bill to Recognize Legal Rights of All Water Bodies in New York State
Can we take a minute to talk about tribal sovereignty?
Our mission draws from the warrior spirit that has sustained Indigenous peoples for generations — the same spirit that drives us to stand guard over tribal rights through relentless investigation and fearless reporting.
Sovereignty isn't just a concept – it's the foundation of Native nations' right to govern, protect our lands, and preserve our cultures. Every story we publish strengthens tribal sovereignty.
Unlike mainstream media, we center Indigenous voices and report directly from Native communities. When we cover land rights, water protection, or tribal governance, we're not just sharing news – we're documenting our living history and defending our future.
Our journalism is powered by readers, not shareholders. If you believe in the importance of Native-led media in protecting tribal sovereignty, consider supporting our work today.