Divided Votes to Support IN-SITU Mining Recovery
CIBOLA COUNTY, N.M. - GRANTS, N.M. – The Cibola County Board of Commissioners faces a divided house during their September 24 meeting regarding Resolution 0.654, a measure that recognized the strategic importance of the Grants Mineral Belt and support for In-Situ Recovery (ISR) uranium mining.
The resolution, drafted and proposed by Grants Energy, has sparked intense debate among county leaders and members, with many attendees defending or opposing the resolution during public comment.
Tribal Consensus and Public Safety
Georgia Routzen Sanchez, 2nd Vice Chair, argued that moving forward without formal approval from the area’s sovereign tribal nations-including the pueblos of Laguna and Acoma would be “irresponsible on our behalf as commissioners.”
Routzen Sanchez said, “[The tribes] must matter to decisions made by the Board of County Commissioners and moving forward on this resolution.” She cautioned her colleagues that voting on the resolution as-is would be “outright disrespectful” to neighboring tribal governments.
Routzen Sanchez then motioned to table the discussion. Commissioner Christine Lowery seconded the motion to table the discussion, raising critical concerns regarding public safety and emergency preparedness. The commission opposed this action, and discussion continued.
Lowery highlighted the absence of an emergency evacuation plan for the residents and livestock of San Mateo in the event of a radioactive malfunction.
Lowery further noted that Grants Energy plans to store radioactive waste underground in the San Mateo area. Drawing a grim historical parallel, Lowery warned that without proper safeguards, the region risks becoming a “sacrificial zone,” much like the legacy Homestake mining site. “Jobs are not worth this,” Lowery said.
Offering a contrasting perspective, Chair Ralph Lucero voiced strong support for the resolution, citing direct feedback from people living in San Mateo – the community closest to the proposed project site.
While acknowledging that passing the resolution without tribal backing could be perceived as a slight to the pueblos, Lucero emphasized that non-tribal local residents also have a right to be heard. “They want the jobs out there… they have little concerns… They are in favor,” Lucero said, arguing that the immediate economic needs and desires of the San Mateo population should carry significant weight in the board’s decision.
Grants Energy Defends “Solid Science” and Regulation
Faced with intense scrutiny, a representative from Grants Energy was allowed to take the podium to defend the project and the company’s outreach efforts, providing responses to Lowrey and Routzen Sanchez’s statements.
Grants Energy Community Engagement and Environmental Protection Manager Charles Lundstrom stressed that because the project is located entirely on private property, it could technically process without county approval but affirmed that the company wanted “to do the right thing” by seeking community alignment.
Addressing environmental anxieties, the representative said that modern ISR mining utilizes advances technology with “no tailings and no excavations,” distinguishing it entirely from the destructive conventional mining methods used 60 years ago.
Furthermore, Lundstrom highlighted a rigorous regulatory framework, noting that five to six different state and federal agencies, including the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the New Mexico Environment Department will oversee every step of the process.
Lundstrom said, “So, if you have a comment or concern, please go to these regulatory agencies… They will call us… making sure we're doing the right thing.”
Regarding tribal consultation, Lundstrom claimed the company has spent a year and a half proactively reaching out to the governors of Laguna and Acoma, mapping indigenous cultural sites to ensure they remain undisturbed.
In Favor of Uranium Mining
Lowery and Routzen Sanchez initially moved to table the motion, but the other commissioners opposed this.
Lucero then moved to approve the resolution. Routzen Sanchez said, “Mr. Chair… before we move forward, I would like to acknowledge that we do also have a letter from our representative Abeyta regarding this resolution.”
After debating whether to hear the letter with the motion made, commissioners were informed the reading could occur.
Routzen Sanchez began the letter, reading Representative Abeyta’s words, “I respectfully urge the band to proceed with caution.” Routzen Sanchez continued reading the letter, which urged the commission to “consider adopting an ordinance that protects the safety and welfare of residents, preserves the quality of our land, water, air, [and] wildlife.”
When she finished, the matter was put to a vote.
The resolution was narrowly approved with a 3-2 decision.
Ralph Lucero, Ray Carpenter, and Tanner Windhorst supported it, while Christine Lowery and Georgia Routzen Sanchez opposed it.
Announcements
October 12, 2026: Cibola County Offices will be Closed Monday, in observation of Indigenous People’s Day.
October 22, 2026: Regular Commission Meeting at 5:00 p.m.