The Department of the Interior (DOI) has approved the Velvet-Wood uranium and vanadium mine in San Juan County, Utah, through an expedited environmental review in a bid to “strengthen U.S. mineral security,” the agency said in a May 23 statement.
“This approval marks a turning point in how we secure America’s mineral future,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. Uranium is used in nuclear reactors, submarines, and for producing tritium, which is necessary for nuclear weapons. Vanadium is used in the production of steel and titanium aerospace alloys.
“By streamlining the review process for critical mineral projects like Velvet-Wood, we’re reducing dependence on foreign adversaries and ensuring our military, medical, and energy sectors have the resources they need to thrive. This is mineral security in action,” Burgum said....
