The transport of uranium ore from a mine south of Tusayan and through the Navajo Nation to Utah has been suspended following objections from the Navajo Nation whose leaders say Energy Fuels failed to notify them before transporting uranium ore through tribal lands in late July.

Governor Katie Hobbs, Attorney General Kris Mayes, and Coconino County Supervisor Patrice Horstman also raised objections.

On August 2nd Governor Katie Hobbs  issued a statement announcing  she secured a voluntary pause on the shipments, “My administration worked with EFRI to voluntarily agree to pause ore shipments through Navajo lands to give both sides an opportunity to engage in good faith negotiations. I have also instructed DEMA to partner with tribal law enforcement and assist the Navajo Nation’s emergency management team in developing an emergency response plan in the event of a road incident.”

Tusayan Mayor Clarinda Vail thanks Coconino County and the state of Arizona  for addressing the issue. Vail said, “I appreciate the exceptional leadership shown by Governor Katie Hobbs, Coconino County Supervisor Patrice Horstman and Coconino County Supervisor Lena Fowler on this issue. Tusayan has been a part of all recent meetings that Coconino County initiated, trying to get some answers to safety and logistical questions that nobody seemed to know. Tusayan will continue to be a part of these meetings for both the town and The Tusayan Fire District possible response needs.”

Energy Fuels recently started mining at the Pinyon Plain Mine, southeast of Tusayan, for the first time since the 1980s.