The Department of the Interior has announced an expedited permitting review for the Velvet-Wood mine project in Utah. This decision 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 will conduct an accelerated environmental review with a completion timeline of 14 days.
Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum stated, "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." He added that the expedited mining project review is crucial for securing America's energy future and supporting American jobs.
If approved, the Velvet-Wood mine project in San Juan County would produce uranium and vanadium by accessing old Velvet Mine workings. The plan involves minimal new surface disturbance due to its underground mining approach. Anfield owns the Shootaring Canyon uranium mill in Utah, which it plans to restart to convert uranium ore into concentrate, reducing reliance on imported uranium.
Uranium serves as fuel for civilian nuclear reactors and U.S. Navy nuclear reactors, while vanadium strengthens steel production and titanium aerospace alloys used in aircraft. Currently, the United States relies heavily on foreign imports for both minerals.
The national energy emergency declaration highlights vulnerabilities due to inadequate domestic energy resource development. Secretary Burgum emphasized that managing public lands responsibly ensures a stable supply of essential resources needed for technologies like electric grids and defense applications.
Acting Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management Adam Suess commented, “Today’s actions will greatly accelerate the permitting review of the Velvet-Wood.” He noted that fast-tracking this process supports American Energy Dominance.
The Department is using emergency authorities under existing regulations such as NEPA, NHPA, and ESA. A list of frequently asked questions about these procedures has been prepared by Interior for interested parties seeking emergency coverage.
