NENAHNEZAD, N.M. – Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren, along with Navajo Transitional Energy Company, Inc., announced on August 8 the historic return of reclaimed mine land to the Navajo Nation under current reclamation standards.
As the third-largest coal producer in the U.S., the Navajo Nation and NTEC have achieved a milestone by returning 2,211 acres of land to its original stewards, the Navajo People. This effort, driven by Nenahnezad Chapter, NTEC and NTUA, required collaboration, funding, and time, marking a significant achievement in environmental restoration and community development.
On Friday, August 8, NTEC, President Nygren, and Navajo Nation Council members such as Brenda Jesus, Casey Johnson, and Ricki Nez, along with the Nenahnezad Chapter, celebrated this milestone, calling it “Naasgó Néenlljí Hózhó Náhásdlíí’.”
“This is more than just a land return; it’s a milestone that reflects our sovereignty, commitment to land stewardship, and pursuit of a sustainable future,” President Nygren stated. “The land’s return symbolizes our ongoing efforts to transform our resources into opportunities for the Navajo people.”
According to NTEC Communications Director Erny Zah, Utah International Inc. was the company that began mining operations in 1957. Mining activities were particularly intense from the 1960s to the 1970s.
The reclamation of these parcels—known as Area 1 and Area 2—was completed in 2004, following the Nenahnezad Chapter’s request for their surrender and return.
Arthur Bavaro, community service coordinator for Nenahnezad Chapter, shared that the local government has plans to develop a large-scale solar project in partnership with the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority. This project aims to generate 250-300 megawatts—enough to power twice the Navajo Nation.
This initiative also supports advanced energy manufacturing, such as Navajo Sun Hydrox Generator Manufacturing and a NTUA joint venture for solar cell and solar module assembly manufacturing, which could create thousands of full-time jobs and economic opportunities.
While this celebration marks a significant milestone, one final step remains: authorization from the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) to officially release the land back to the Navajo Nation.
“I am confident that BIA will act swiftly to transfer the land,” President Nygren said. “Our goal is to create sustainable jobs, improve local infrastructure, and foster long-term prosperity for our people.”