On July 30th, primary election day, Hammond Trucking Inc. began shipments of uranium through the Navajo Nation, Flagstaff, and other Northern Arizona communities. No prior notice was given, and outrage was quick. The Pinyon Plain Mine is operated by Energy Fuels, Inc. based out of Denver, CO. The mine itself is located in Kaibab National Forest, just south of Tusayan, AZ. It is the only uranium mine operating in Arizona.
Northern Arizona, and especially the Navajo Nation, have a long and troubled history with uranium mining. It poisons the air, water, and people nearby. This mine sits above aquifers that are the only water source for the Havasupai tribe. One of the two aquifers has already been contaminated from mining operations. The Havasupai Council has released this statement in January. Uranium mining and transport are also illegal in the Navajo Nation, and the tribe is doing everything it can to stop the transports through their lands and defend their sovereignty. As of August 2nd, the Hobbs Administration announced a temporary pause in transports for groups to negotiate options. I personally would like to see a permanent prohibition.
I encourage all to take action against the mine to preserve our communities' and lands' health, well-being, and longevity. The organization leading on this cause is Haul No!
Brendan Trachsel © Copyright 2024 
