By Jamie Martin
The Department of the Interior has announced the fast-tracked permitting review of the Velvet-Wood mine project in Utah, utilizing new emergency procedures in response to the national energy emergency declared by the administrator on January 20, 2025.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will conduct an accelerated environmental assessment of the project, aiming to complete the review in just 14 days.
“America is facing an alarming energy emergency because of the prior administration’s Climate Extremist policies. President Trump and his administration are responding with speed and strength to solve this crisis,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum.
“The expedited mining project review represents exactly the kind of decisive action we need to secure our energy future. By cutting needless delays, we’re supporting good-paying American jobs while strengthening our national security and putting the country on a path to true energy independence.”
If approved, the Velvet-Wood mine in San Juan County will produce uranium and vanadium by reactivating the former Velvet Mine and developing additional mineralization. The underground mining plan would disturb only three new acres, thanks to prior surface development.
Anfield Energy, the project developer, also owns the Shootaring Canyon uranium mill, which is slated for restart to convert ore into uranium concentrate, decreasing U.S. dependence on foreign sources.
Uranium is vital for powering civilian nuclear plants, U.S. Navy reactors, medical uses, and tritium production for nuclear weapons. Vanadium plays a key role in steel manufacturing and aerospace alloys for both commercial and military aircraft.
Currently, the U.S. heavily depends on imports for both minerals. In 2023, 99% of uranium used by U.S. nuclear generators came from abroad, and in 2024, nearly half of domestic vanadium consumption was imported.
“Today’s actions will greatly accelerate the permitting review of the Velvet-Wood,” said Acting Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management Adam Suess. “By fast-tracking the review process for the project, we are driving American Energy Dominance and ensuring our nation’s energy security.”
Emergency authorities are being used under NEPA, NHPA, and ESA to streamline the process.
Photo Credit: rocky-ormiston
Categories: National