The Pros And Cons Of Uranium Mining

Even though all the catastrophic risks of uranium mining are well-known, there is a demand to continue this dangerous mining today. This mining would continue right next to the Native American group who has suffered the most due to this hazardous exploit, the Navajos. President Donald Trump recently reduced the Bears Ears Monument by 85 percent in response to mining industry lobbyist requests. Currently, there is no plan to commence uranium mining because the cost of obtaining the uranium is not economically viable, however the price of uranium is expected to spike. When the price increases, uranium mining could begin in this newly unprotected area. Even after all the Navajos who have died and suffer through chronic illnesses as a direct result

These reservation have not been completely cleaned from the waste left from uranium mines, and worse yet, today more radioactive waste is being moved into these already damaged areas. Native Americans’ reservations are targeted as dumping grounds for pollution and toxic waste. The majority of Native Americans on reservations are poor and unemployed, and the US government exploits this fact to store dangerous materials—nuclear power plants waste and radioactive fuel—near their homes for millions of dollars (Brook, 1998). Hazardous waste operators can no longer work in cities or towns or even in developing countries (Lambrecht, 1990). The fact that Native Americans are more willing to accommodate these risks then people in third-world countries shows the depravity and desperation of their environment within a developed nation. The toxic waste stored on this land is a severe health risk. It has been found to cause various types of cancers, birth defects, and organ dysfunction (Brook, 2000). These effects are compounded because of the effects from the uranium mines. There needs to be laws and policies in place so this vulnerable group cannot be taken advantage of, and laws and policies to ensure the standard of living on these reservations

These strategies focus on improving Native Americans’ infrastructure, healthcare, physical environment, and education which environmental justice organizations believe are all part of improving the environment (Pezzullo & Sandler, 2007). When the waste from these communities is removed, this will improve the health of Native Americans’ immediate environment, but they still lack a strong, functioning economy. There needs to be reparations and another viable source of income to aid their economy, so they will not need to have dangerous facilities on their land. Possible solutions to ameliorate their economies include bringing tourism or alternative energy plants to the reservations (Wyloge, 2017). To bring tourism, there needs to be improved infrastructure on the reservations. Most reservations do not have electricity or running water, which is necessary for growth. Infrastructure also needs to be implemented so educated people can go to school and work on the reservation. Currently, the members of the tribe must leave the reservation to attend college or utilize the education they receive, so the reservation never improves. If colleges were placed on reservations and high-technology jobs were available, the reservation would improve. Another advocated solution proposes renewable energy plants be placed on reservations. Wind farms and other renewable energy companies do not need many