Decades of uranium mining near Grants, New Mexico, have left behind toxic waste that has contaminated groundwater, forced residents from their homes, and now threatens the region’s last clean water source.
Alicia Inez Guzmán reports for Searchlight New Mexico.
In short:
- The Homestake Mining Company milled uranium in New Mexico from 1958 to 1990, leaving behind over 21 million tons of radioactive tailings that have polluted four aquifers.
- In 2020, the company declared full cleanup unfeasible and began buying out and demolishing homes near the contaminated site, with plans to transfer 6,100 acres to the U.S. Department of Energy by 2035.
- Experts warn that uranium plumes are moving toward the San Andres-Glorieta aquifer, the last potable water source for surrounding communities, despite company claims that contamination has not reached it.
Key quote:
"We’ve been poisoned to the gills. The question is: How do we recover and live with contamination?"
— Christine Lowery, Cibola County commissioner
Why this matters:
Uranium mining has left a lasting toxic legacy in New Mexico, affecting groundwater, air quality, and public health. Residents near former mining sites face increased cancer risks, and contamination continues to spread despite decades of attempted cleanup. The looming threat to the San Andres-Glorieta aquifer raises concerns about long-term water security for local communities, including Indigenous groups who have already suffered from the industry’s impacts. With renewed interest in nuclear power, the struggle over past uranium waste underscores the challenge of meeting energy demands while adequately protecting against environmental and human impacts.
Read more: New dashboard reveals uranium mine risks in New Mexico
