The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC) recent authorization of DISA Technologies to clean up abandoned uranium mine sites across the Western United States marks a significant shift in the nation’s approach to legacy nuclear waste. This first-of-its-kind license not only addresses long-standing environmental concerns but also presents an opportunity to bolster domestic uranium supply chains, a critical component of the nation’s energy security.
DISA Technologies’ high-pressure slurry ablation (HPSA) process is poised to unlock hundreds of millions of pounds of uranium-bearing material from abandoned mine waste piles. These sites, many of which are located on or near tribal lands, have been contaminated since the Cold War era, with no clear regulatory pathway for cleanup until now. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates there are 15,000 such sites throughout the West, with 523 classified as Superfund sites on the Navajo Nation alone.
The environmental and health impacts of these abandoned mines are profound. Uranium oxidation leads to water contamination, while dust particles carry radioactive materials into nearby population centers. The Navajo people, who worked in these mines under conditions where the health risks of radiation were not fully understood, continue to bear the brunt of this legacy. Between 1944 and 1986, nearly 4 million tons of uranium were extracted from Navajo land, leaving behind a landscape scarred by toxic waste.
DISA Technologies CEO Greyson Buckingham emphasizes the urgency of addressing these sites. “The longer we leave this material sitting on site, the more it degrades,” he said. “We’ve been working with the Navajo Nation for over five years now. We have a contract in place with them to remediate the first site on the Navajo Nation.”
The company’s plan involves building treatment units capable of processing around 30,000 tons of material per site. The goal is not only to clean up these sites but also to recycle the uranium for domestic energy use. This aligns with the U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright’s call to boost the nation’s strategic uranium reserve, reducing dependence on foreign supplies, particularly from Russia.
Wyoming Senator Cynthia Lummis has expressed strong support for DISA’s initiative. “Abandoned mines continue to threaten the health of our families and land in western states and on tribal land,” she said. “This license is a critical step in allowing DISA to move forward with its critical remediation and not only address these health and safety concerns but recover valuable materials in the process.”
The Navajo Nation, which has been actively seeking solutions for decades, views DISA’s technology as a promising development. Stephen B. Etsitty, executive director at the Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency, confirmed the Navajo’s support for the initiative. “We’ve spent the last 40 years looking for technology for the abandoned sites on Navajo lands, and we haven’t turned a shovel of dirt,” he said.
Etsitty emphasized the need for a dedicated low-level waste repository near Navajo communities, making transport economically feasible. “Our communities want this waste material removed – taken away,” he said. “We want this communicated to Secretary [of the Interior] Doug Burgum, and we’re hoping the federal government can help.”
The NRC’s authorization of DISA Technologies represents a pivotal moment in the nation’s approach to legacy nuclear waste. It offers a pathway to address long-standing environmental and health concerns while simultaneously enhancing domestic uranium supply chains. As the mining industry grapples with the challenges of the energy transition, this development underscores the importance of innovation and collaboration in shaping a sustainable future. The success of DISA’s initiative could set a precedent for similar efforts, not only in the United States but also globally, as nations seek to address the environmental legacies of their industrial pasts.