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Energy Fuels says White Mesa Mill gives Utah a head start in domestic uranium supply
Summary
Energy Fuels' CEO described the White Mesa Mill as the only remaining operable uranium mill in the U.S., recounted decades-long permitting hurdles for mines, and outlined community and foundation investments in San Juan County.
Mark Chalmers, President and CEO of Energy Fuels, told a State of the State panel that White Mesa Mill (built in 1980) is central to any domestic uranium supply chain.
"The White Mesa Mill, was built in 1980, and it is the only remaining operable mill left in The United States," Chalmers said, and described surrounding permitted mines that can feed the facility. He emphasized that bringing projects to market requires permits, infrastructure and time; he recounted an Arizona mine that took "38 years" to move ore into the mill amid legal challenges.
Chalmers described a foundation the company set up to direct roughly 1% of White Mesa Mill revenue to San Juan County, saying in recent years that amounted to about $500,000–$600,000 annually and that, if production and critical-mineral work meet targets, the contribution could grow to roughly $4 million–$6 million a year for a county of about 14,000 residents. He said the foundation distributes funds via an advisory board and website for local applications.
Chalmers also described negotiating agreements with the Navajo Nation over transport and said those multi-month processes produced outcomes the company considered positive for both the tribe and the region. He framed sustained, transparent engagement and compliance as essential for operating in the modern regulatory environment.
