No Uranium Mining at Grand Canyon

A Report on inherent Dangers, Corporate Self-Interest, and Already-Impacted Communities

Some argue that modern-day uranium mining is better regulated and more responsibly undertaken than in the past, effectively minimizing the risk that history will repeat itself and worsen the toxic and radioactive legacy that has gripped the Colorado Plateau since the government-driven uranium boom of the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s.c Mining companies often claim that mines operating in the post-Atomic Era and after the creation of environmental regulations won’t pollute land, air, and water or cause cancer in communities like past uranium operations have done.

The reality however, is different.

Uranium mining is inherently dangerous for land, water, and people. Once uranium is exposed to oxygen, a never-ending battle with Mother Nature begins to keep the radioactive element from finding its way into water, soil, plants, wildlife, and the bodies of human beings.

Mining near the Grand Canyon also would mean mining right next-door to communities that today are still living with the contamination and health consequences of the last government-supported uranium boom.

This report summarizes information uncovered by the cumulative efforts of a number of people and organizations

..who, over many years, have submitted public records requests, searched through cartloads of paper documents dating back decades, filed lawsuits, filed formal complaints with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, interviewed and consulted with groundwater experts, and visited Canyon Mine in person to observe, document, film, and photograph conditions on the ground. Thanks to Alicyn Gitlin at the Sierra Club-Grand Canyon Chapter who has, among a number of contributions to this issue, put in many hours at the records department at the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. Thanks to organizers like Klee Benally, Leona Morgan, and Sarana Riggs of HaulNo! who have worked tirelessly to bring attention to the problems at, and stemming from, Canyon Mine. And thanks to a number of other groups and individuals who have given their time to this issue. Finally, a special thanks to the Havasupai Tribe, which has been fighting to protect its homelands from contamination from Canyon Mine and other potential mines for decades.

It is our great honor to stand behind the Havasupai Tribe in its long fight for justice for uranium-impacted communities everywhere.

This Report explains why uranium mining does not belong in the Grand Canyon region.