Construction Begins on Velvet-Wood Uranium Mine
Construction has started at the Velvet-Wood uranium and vanadium mine in southeastern Utah, marking the first project approved under the Interior Department’s accelerated permitting process. Crews reopened the mine portal on November 6 for the first time since the site was shut in 1984.
Project Background and Approval
The Velvet-Wood mine, located near Lisbon Valley in San Juan County, is owned by Anfield Energy, a Canadian company. They plan to resume extraction of uranium and vanadium, minerals essential for nuclear fuel, steel alloys, and new battery technologies.
The Bureau of Land Management approved the project on May 23, following a directive from the Interior Department to complete the review within 14 days. This accelerated process was initiated in response to President Donald Trump’s “national energy emergency” order earlier this year.
Controversy and Responses
- Environmental and tribal groups have criticized the fast-tracked approval, arguing it allowed insufficient time for public and tribal input.
- Company representatives maintain that the approval was based on over a year of environmental and engineering studies.
- Federal officials describe the project as a part of the administration’s broader push to increase domestic uranium production.
Historical Context
The underground mine ceased operations in 1984 and has remained closed for four decades until this redevelopment effort began.
"The accelerated process has drawn sharp criticism from environmental and tribal groups who say it left no time for public or tribal input."
"Company leaders say the decision was based on more than a year of prior environmental and engineering data."
Author's summary: The Velvet-Wood uranium mine in Utah has resumed construction under a fast-tracked federal approval process, sparking debate between economic development goals and concerns over environmental and tribal consultation.
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