On May 12, 2025, the Department of the Interior announced that it would expedite the permitting review for a significant energy project, the Velvet-Wood mine in Utah.
This move comes as part of a strategic response to the national energy emergency declared by President Donald J. Trump on January 20, 2025.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will conduct an accelerated environmental review of the project, with a target completion timeline of just 14 days.
This expedited review is expected to significantly bolster efforts in meeting urgent energy demands and enhancing national energy security.
Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum explained, “America is facing an alarming energy emergency because of the prior administration’s Climate Extremist policies.
President Trump and his administration are responding with speed and strength to solve this crisis.
The expedited mining project review represents exactly the kind of decisive action we need to secure our energy future.
By cutting needless delays, we’re supporting good-paying American jobs while strengthening our national security and putting the country on a path to true energy independence.”
If approved, the Velvet-Wood mine will be developed in San Juan County, Utah, focusing on extracting uranium and vanadium.
The project aims to access the old Velvet Mine workings while developing the Velvet-Wood mineralization, allowing for significant resource extraction with minimal disturbance.
The plan proposes only three acres of new surface disturbance, leveraging the existing state of the old Velvet mine.
In addition, Anfield, the operating company of the mine, owns the Shootaring Canyon uranium mill in Utah, which they intend to restart.
This mill is crucial as it will process uranium ore into uranium concentrate, further decreasing America’s reliance on imported uranium concentrate.
Uranium has a variety of commercial applications, primarily as fuel for civilian nuclear reactors, but it is also used in medical applications.
Moreover, the U.S. Navy utilizes uranium for fuel in its nuclear reactors, such as those on Virginia-class attack submarines, and for producing tritium, essential for nuclear weapons.
Vanadium, another mineral targeted for extraction at the Velvet-Wood mine, is instrumental as a strengthening agent in steel production and is also utilized in titanium aerospace alloys for both military and commercial aircraft.
The current scenario showcases a concerning reliance on foreign imports for both uranium and vanadium.
Data shows that under the Biden administration in 2023, U.S. nuclear power generators relied on foreign sources for 99% of their uranium concentrate, including suppliers from Russia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan.
In the following year, foreign imports constituted almost half of the domestic consumption of vanadium, predominantly sourced from China, Russia, South Africa, and Brazil.
As highlighted in the President’s national energy emergency declaration, the inadequate development of domestic energy resources, which includes both uranium and vanadium, exposes the nation to vulnerabilities from hostile foreign actors.
This situation raises imminent and growing concerns regarding the United States’ prosperity and national security.
Under Secretary Doug Burgum’s guidance, the Bureau of Land Management prioritizes the nation’s energy independence through responsible mineral extraction and by enabling traditional energy production such as oil, gas, and coal.
The agency’s management of public lands for mineral extraction ensures a stable supply of critical resources.
Through effective permitting processes, land management strategies, and environmental oversight, the BLM aims to diminish reliance on foreign minerals, fortifying the nation’s energy security and supporting key industries.
Adam Suess, Acting Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management, emphasized, “Today’s actions will greatly accelerate the permitting review of the Velvet-Wood.
By fast-tracking the review process for the project, we are driving American Energy Dominance and ensuring our nation’s energy security.”
The Department of the Interior plans to utilize emergency authorities under existing regulations, including those from the National Environmental Policy Act, the National Historic Preservation Act, and the Endangered Species Act.
For further inquiries, the Department has prepared a list of frequently asked questions regarding the emergency procedures and encourages project proponents interested in requesting emergency coverage to contact their regular points of contact at relevant field, district, or state offices.
image source from：https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/interior-expedites-permitting-critical-energy-project-address-national-energy
