Mohave Today

The Mohave County Board of Supervisors voted to allow Development Services to amend the county's plan to support mining initiatives in areas including the Arizona strip.

In 2012, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management decided to block uranium mining claims in areas adjacent to the Grand Canyon and the Arizona Strip. This measure was initially meant to be temporary, but those supporting miners feared it could become permanent in the mineral-rich area. In order to allow the United States Geological Survey to study the effects of uranium mining on these areas, the Bureau of Land Management closed the area. Mohave County was not in favor of the closure, citing the potential harm to the county's economic development.

According to a press release by Mohave County, the United States Geological Survey has not allocated any funds to studying the effects of uranium mining on the Grand Canyon. Late last year, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill sponsored by Raul Grijalva that would make the mining ban permanent. 

Mohave County supervisors believe these regulations hamper mining claims and development despite the fact that upgrades have been made in mining operations and safety standards. A press release states, "Multiple potential jobs and a stronger, more durable economy have suffered due to the over-reaching regulations." The uranium-rich county has not been able to move forward since the decision made in 2012.

The short-term goal of the vote is to send a message to the Bureau of Land Management and give voice to Mohave County in future discussions about mining. The long-term goal is to secure mining rights in Mohave County.   

The Board of Supervisors, the governing body of Mohave County, is responsible for the overall management of county government operations. Development Services' mission is to ensure that Mohave County maintains a "safe and acceptable quality of life; has beneficial, managed growth; and has an effective voice in land management decisions of the Federal and  State Governments," according to the county's website.