Wedoany.com Report-May 27, Anfield Energy has received approval from the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) to restart the Velvet-Wood uranium-vanadium mine in San Juan County, Utah. This marks the first mining project approved under a streamlined 14-day environmental review process, prompted by a national energy emergency. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) completed the final environmental assessment, enabling Anfield Energy to resume operations at the Velvet Mine and develop the Wood mineralization with minimal surface impact.

The BLM’s final environmental assessment paves the way for Anfield Energy to restart the Velvet Mine.

The approval, announced earlier this month, supports the project’s goal of enhancing domestic mineral production. The initiative is expected to create jobs and improve local infrastructure in San Juan County while prioritizing environmental restoration after mining activities conclude. The project focuses on extracting uranium and vanadium, essential for nuclear energy, medical applications, and industrial uses, from established underground deposits.

Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum stated: “This approval marks a turning point in how we secure America’s mineral future. 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.” The expedited process underscores efforts to bolster domestic supply chains for critical minerals.

Currently, the U.S. relies heavily on imported uranium and vanadium, with significant supplies sourced from countries like Russia and Kazakhstan. The Velvet-Wood project aims to address this dependency by increasing local production. Additionally, Anfield Energy plans to reopen the Shootaring Canyon uranium mill, one of only three such facilities in the U.S., to further support domestic uranium processing and reduce reliance on foreign concentrates.

The project’s development is designed to balance economic benefits with environmental responsibility. By leveraging existing underground deposits and minimizing new surface disturbance, the Velvet-Wood mine aligns with sustainable mining practices. The initiative is poised to contribute to the region’s economy through job creation and infrastructure improvements while supporting broader efforts to strengthen the nation’s mineral independence.