- Uranium mining in the U.S. peaked in 1980 with 43.7 million pounds of uranium oxide produced annually. However, declining prices in the 1980s led to mine closures, and by 2001, production had drastically reduced with only three operational mines using in-situ leaching technology.
- Uranium mining has faced criticism for its health and environmental impacts, including cancer risks and water contamination. Despite regulatory oversight, legacy issues persist, such as abandoned mines requiring costly cleanup.
- Rising uranium prices and a global shift toward nuclear energy for low-carbon power have reignited interest in U.S. uranium mining.
Uranium mining has played a crucial role in the energy and defense sectors of the United States, with its origins dating back to 1898. Early efforts focused on extracting radium-bearing ore from uranium-vanadium sandstone deposits in western Colorado, laying the foundation for an industry that would boom in the mid-20th century.
The Boom of the 1950s
The 1950s ushered in a uranium mining boom in the Western United States, driven by Cold War demand and lucrative discoveries by prospectors such as Charlie Steen. By 1953, the U.S. had become the world’s leading uranium producer, a position it maintained until 1980. Uranium was actively mined in states such as Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming, among others.
The industry reached its zenith in 1980, with annual production peaking at 43.7 million pounds of uranium oxide (U3O8). However, the late 1970s and early 1980s saw steep price declines, rendering many sandstone-hosted uranium deposits uneconomic and forcing widespread mine closures.
Decline and Transition
By 2001, U.S. uranium production had dwindled significantly, with only three operational mines using in-situ leaching technology. In-situ leaching is a mining technique that extracts minerals from underground ore bodies by dissolving them with chemicals and pumping them to the surface. The average spot price of uranium oxide fell to $7.92 per pound in 2001 before rebounding to $39.48 in 2006. However, even as prices rose, the U.S. increasingly relied on imported uranium, which accounted for 91% of the fuel consumed by nuclear power plants in 2011.
Health and Environmental Challenges
The health and environmental impacts of uranium mining have long been a concern. In 1950, the U.S. Public Health Service began studying uranium miners, leading to a landmark 1962 report that statistically linked cancer to uranium mining. Additionally, abandoned uranium milling sites—24 of the 50 across 12 states—are now the responsibility of the U.S. Department of Energy. Restoring these mines will be a costly process that will likely be challenged by litigation.
The dangers of radiation exposure, particularly from radon gas, and the environmental degradation caused by uranium mining have drawn criticism from tribes and environmentalists. These concerns persist, particularly in regions like the Four Corners area, where the legacy of 20th-century uranium mining continues to impact air and water quality.
A Renewed Push for Uranium
Recent years have seen a resurgence in uranium mining interest, spurred by rising uranium prices and a global push toward nuclear energy as a low-carbon alternative to fossil fuels. In February 2015, Wyoming, home to the Powder River Basin and the majority of U.S. uranium production, became an “agreement state,” granting it authority to regulate uranium mining and milling.
Prices for uranium recently soared to $90 per pound, driven by two key factors:
- The COP28 agreement by over 20 nations to triple nuclear energy production by 2050 to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.
- Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, which disrupted global uranium markets. Despite sanctions, the U.S. still imports 50% of its uranium from Russia, spending about $1 billion annually.
New Mines and Controversy
In December 2023, three uranium mines began operations along the Arizona-Utah border, marking the first new U.S. uranium production in eight years. These mines are reviving old sites that had been dormant for decades due to low demand and prices. Among them is the Pinyon Plain Mine, located within the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni – Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument, designated by President Biden in 2022.
While the Mining Law of 1872 protects preexisting mining rights, environmentalists and tribal groups have criticized the new operations for their potential impact on water supplies, air quality, and culturally significant land.
Challenges of Domestic Production
A significant challenge for U.S. uranium production is the refinement process. Energy Fuels Resources operates the White Mesa Uranium Mill in southeastern Utah, the country’s only operating uranium mill. However, this facility has faced criticism for its alleged impact on local air and water quality. Additionally, the U.S. has only one facility in New Mexico capable of converting refined uranium into the rods needed for nuclear power plants.
Looking Ahead
With increasing global demand for uranium and nuclear energy, U.S. uranium mining faces a pivotal moment. The industry must navigate environmental concerns, regulatory hurdles, and international competition while addressing the nation’s reliance on imported uranium. As of 2023, uranium mining in the United States remains a small-scale operation, producing just 224,331 pounds of U3O8—15% of its 2018 output and only 0.4% of the annual fuel requirements for the country’s nuclear reactors.
The renewed focus on nuclear energy as a substitute for fossil fuels could provide opportunities for the sector to expand, but balancing economic viability with environmental responsibility will be critical for its future.
The Trump administration has actively supported revitalizing domestic uranium mining, emphasizing its importance for national security and energy independence. In 2019, the administration acknowledged that reliance on imported uranium posed a national security risk. The administration proposed a $1.5 billion plan to create a uranium reserve, aiming to stimulate the domestic uranium industry. Also, efforts were made to review and potentially revise land protections to allow increased access for uranium mining on federal lands. With President Donald Trump’s second term only just starting, we will likely see a greater push for uranium mining within the coming months.
