The conflict in Ukraine has raised questions about the availability of uranium ore to be used in US nuclear reactors, which is typically imported from Russia. This has driven a shift to look for domestic sources of Uranium, which are typically found in tribal lands inside the continental US. Growing mines like one in Arizona are threatening tribal sites for native tribes like the Havasupai Tribe and have the potential to contaminate water supplies with heavy metals from mining. As the threat of sanctions on Russian uranium looms, the potential for increased conflicts surrounding new mines or revitalizing old mines will only grow.

This article really shows the complex issues that one must balance when considering nuclear energy beyond just the reactor. There is so much else that goes into making and running an effective power plant, from fuel to heavy water and storage that is rare, expensive and can threaten other at-risk communities or the environment. Hopefully, with fusion and more efficient reactors, power plants can make the most of less fuel, but I think this conflict will only get worse into the future and we need to develop better, more environmentally friendly mining practices or the cure could be almost as bad as the problem.