Velvet-Wood uranium and vanadium mine first project approved under new framework

The Velvet-Wood uranium and vanadium mine in San Juan County, Utah, has just received approval from the U.S. Department of the Interior under an expedited 14-day environmental review process marking the first project approved under this new framework. This accelerated process was initiated in response to the national energy emergency declared by President Trump.

Future benefits

This approval in the long game will: reduce dependence on foreign adversaries for critical minerals essential for military, medical, and energy sectors, bring new jobs and infrastructure to the region, with minimal environmental impact (just 3 acres of new surface disturbance), and support domestic production of uranium (used in nuclear power, medical treatments, and military operations) and vanadium (vital for steel strengthening and aerospace applications).

Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum highlights: “This approval marks a turning point in how we secure America’s mineral future (…), by streamlining the review process for critical mineral projects like Velvet-Wood, we’re reducing dependence on foreign adversaries and ensuring our military, medical and energy sectors have the resources they need to thrive. This is mineral security in action.

Reduce dependencies

Currently, 99% of uranium and nearly half of vanadium used in the U.S. are imported, with major sources including Russia and China. This project is a critical step toward reducing foreign reliance and securing America’s prosperity and national security.

The Velvet-Wood project also aligns with environmental restoration goals, ensuring responsible mining with future land restoration in mind. Additionally, the planned reopening of the Shootaring Canyon uranium mill will enhance the U.S.’s capacity to process uranium locally, further reducing reliance on imports.

The Bureau of Land Management plays a pivotal role in overseeing mineral extraction on federally managed public lands, ensuring a balance between energy security and environmental stewardship.