In the heart of Cibola County, New Mexico, uranium is staging a comeback, but this time, it’s not just about digging up the yellowcake. It’s about technology, trust, water, land, and energy independence. The stage is set for a complex dance between innovation, regulation, and community sentiment, with the potential to reshape the uranium sector and beyond.
In-Situ Recovery (ISR) technology is at the forefront of this shift. Unlike traditional mining, ISR uses well fields to dissolve uranium from sandstone layers, pumping it to the surface with significantly less water and surface disturbance. Janet Lee Sheriff, founder of the Clean Energy Association of New Mexico, argues that ISR is not traditional mining. “It only works in certain contaminated aquifers that are already unusable for drinking or farming,” she asserts. The process, she claims, is highly monitored, with sealed wells and multiple safeguard systems to prevent groundwater contamination. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission backs this up, stating that there has never been a documented case of ISR contaminating drinkable groundwater in the U.S. Yet, public skepticism lingers, fueled by memories of past mining disasters.
Grants Energy, a private company exploring uranium extraction north of San Mateo, is expected to use ISR for its “Grants Precision ISR Project.” The company is actively seeking permitting and licensure, with expected uranium production in the early 2030s. This project, along with others like it, could signal a new era of uranium mining in the U.S., one that prioritizes technology and environmental stewardship.
Meanwhile, the Cebolleta Uranium Project, located north of Laguna, is quietly emerging as a national leader in uranium revival. Under the ownership of Premier American Uranium (PUR), Cebolleta is moving forward fast. In June 2024, PUR completed a Mineral Resource Estimate, reporting significant quantities of uranium oxide. In January 2025, the company received a new drilling permit, allowing for additional boreholes. PUR CEO Colin Healey aims to de-risk the project, positioning Cebolleta as a key source of domestic uranium. While ISR may be considered for future extraction, Cebolleta is currently categorized as an “advanced exploration” project, not yet a producing mine.
However, the path forward is not without obstacles. Mount Taylor, a sacred site to many local communities, is once again in the crosshairs of uranium mining. Despite clear opposition from New Mexico lawmakers, new federal directives are shifting the ground beneath their feet. President Donald Trump’s executive order prioritizing domestic mineral production has recategorized large-scale projects like Roca Honda and La Jara Mesa as administrative priorities. These projects, long dormant, are now in advanced permitting stages, even as local leaders and communities brace for renewed battles.
The developments in Cibola County are a microcosm of the broader trends shaping the uranium sector. The rise of ISR technology, the push for energy independence, and the tension between economic development and environmental protection are all at play. As the sector evolves, so too will the debates and discussions surrounding it. The future of uranium mining in the U.S. is uncertain, but one thing is clear: it will be shaped by a complex interplay of technology, regulation, and community sentiment. The stakes are high, and the outcomes will have far-reaching implications for the energy landscape and beyond. The sector must navigate these challenges with a steady hand, a clear vision, and a commitment to transparency and accountability. The future of uranium mining in the U.S. is not just about digging up the yellowcake—it’s about building a sustainable, responsible, and inclusive energy future.
