Taking The U Out Of Navajo: Arizona’s Fight Against Uranium

Uranium is one of the most precious materials on earth. Highly radioactive, the substance can power nuclear reactors, or even better, be the catalyst for a 50 megaton bomb.

It goes without saying, that the material is incredibly dangerous. Not just when used to level cities, but its radioactivity makes any passing contact near fatal.

Why then, is the state forcing it on Native communities?

Transporting Through Navajo Nation

The Navajo nation has expressly forbidden the transportation of radioactive Uranium ore through their borders unless explicitly given permission to do so. That didn't stop one mining company from doing it anyways.

Starting in late July 2024, a mining company began transporting their recently mined Uranium directly through Navajo borders. Their defense? They were driving on state roads, which do allow Uranium transports.

This loophole did not go over well to the Navajo nation, and they're standing up for their rights.

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Together We Can Win

Enough was finally enough, and on July 31st the Navajo Nation President issued an executive order to all Tribal Police to stop all trucks entering Navajo land. He also released a demand for the mining company to negotiate an agreement with the tribe before they could continue transportation through Navajo land.

While politicians can get a lot done, people are even stronger. That's why a protest march was organized along the route these drivers take. Protestors flooded the streets and made a point that their land should not be taken lightly.

This is yet another example of how native treaties and agreements are shot down or not taken seriously, despite explicit agreement. We can only hope that this will prove to be a step in the right direction, leading to more rights and respect for native land across America.

[Inside Climate News]