Anfield Energy Resumes Underground Blasting at Utah Uranium-Vanadium Mine After 40-Year Hiatus
Event summary
- Anfield Energy completed its first underground blast at the Velvet-Wood uranium-vanadium project in Utah since 1986, following ATF permit approval in June 2026.
- The company has rehabilitated 700 feet of the decline, installing ground support, ventilation, and utilities.
- Construction of the water treatment plant and dewatering pump is nearly complete, with testing expected to begin soon.
- Velvet-Wood last produced uranium and vanadium in 1984 and is part of Anfield’s hub-and-spoke strategy centered on the Shootaring Canyon Mill.
The big picture
Anfield’s resumption of underground blasting at Velvet-Wood aligns with broader U.S. efforts to strengthen domestic uranium and vanadium supply chains. The project’s progress is supported by state and federal initiatives, including Utah’s selection as a potential site for a Department of Energy nuclear lifecycle campus. Anfield’s hub-and-spoke strategy positions it as a key player in meeting America’s growing nuclear fuel needs, though execution risks and regulatory hurdles remain.
What we're watching
- Regulatory Alignment
- Whether Anfield can sustain its progress amid evolving federal and state regulations on uranium and vanadium development.
- Execution Risk
- The pace at which Anfield completes dewatering and resumes full-scale production at Velvet-Wood.
- Government Support
- How continued backing from Utah officials and federal agencies will impact Anfield’s permitting and operational timelines.