Cyprus Amax and West's Nuclear Mining Operations
In the Navajo Nation, efforts to clean up and investigate abandoned uranium mines have been ongoing since 1992. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enlisted the expertise of two companies, Cyprus Amax Minerals Company and Western Nuclear, Inc., to conduct detailed investigations of 33 mines in the Red Valley Chapter.
One of the key figures in this initiative is Elsa Johnson, who serves as the Community Involvement Coordinator. You can reach her at (415) 947-3552 or via email at johnson.elsa@our website.
Cyprus Amax Minerals Company has been instrumental in this mission, completing Removal Site Evaluation reports for the mines they investigated. Notably, between 2018 and 2023, they conducted detailed investigations at 32 mines, including 10 priority mines, in the Cove Chapter and the Tse Tah and Monument Valley areas.
As of now, Cyprus Amax is conducting detailed investigations at 33 mines, one of which is a priority mine, located in the Red Valley area.
Community members are encouraged to get involved in these cleanup activities and help shape decisions. EPA, NNEPA, and Cyprus Amax continue to conduct community outreach in Cove, Red Valley, Red Mesa, Sweetwater, Tse Tah, Monument Valley, and Kayenta.
Cyprus Amax, along with their team of experts, regularly meet with EPA, NNEPA, chapter officials, residents, and community members to ensure transparency and active participation.
The cleanup activities are focused on 94 abandoned uranium mines located in various regions, including the Northern AUM Region (Shiprock, Red Mesa, Red Valley, Sweetwater, Teec Nos Pos, and Cove Chapters), Eastern AUM Region (Smith Lake Chapter), North Central AUM Region (Kayenta, Oljato, and Dennehotso Chapters), and Central AUM Region (Chilchinbeto Chapter).
The collective efforts of all involved aim to ensure a safer and healthier environment for the Navajo Nation.
