ENTACT Celebrates First-Year Milestone of New Mexico’s Abandoned Uranium Mine Initiative

ENTACT joined state agencies, community leaders, and project partners on June 18, 2026 to celebrate the first year of New Mexico’s Abandoned Uranium Mine Reclamation Initiative during a public ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Uranium Miners Museum in Grants, New Mexico.

State Leaders Celebrate Progress on Abandoned Uranium Mine Reclamation

Hosted by the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) and New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD), the event highlighted progress achieved during the initiative’s inaugural year and recognized the collaborative efforts underway to address legacy uranium mining sites throughout the state.

A recurring theme throughout the ceremony was that the program’s first year represents an important foundation for future reclamation efforts. As New Mexico prepares to expand work across additional abandoned uranium mine sites, the successful completion of reclamation activities at the Red Bluff No. 1 Mine marks a significant milestone for the initiative.

Red Bluff No. 1 Mine Marks a Major Reclamation Milestone

Located within the historic Grants Mining District of northwestern New Mexico, Red Bluff No. 1 is one of the first three mines selected for reclamation under the state’s program. The site reflects a period of intensive uranium mining activity that supported national defense efforts during the Cold War era.

ENTACT Leads Environmental Remediation and Radiological Site Investigation

As the primary contractor, ENTACT led site assessment, radiological surveying, remediation planning, and implementation activities for the project. Working alongside project partners Unmanned Aerial Services Inc., Sundance Consultants, LLC, and RESI, ENTACT completed a comprehensive investigation and characterization program to support reclamation planning and execution.

The project team conducted extensive field investigations across the 192-acre site, including radiological surveys, drone-based LiDAR mapping, cultural resource assessments, natural resource surveys, and soil characterization activities.

Project accomplishments included:

• More than 633 million LiDAR data points collected to map site topography and evaluate waste rock volumes.
• More than 510,000 gamma response measurements collected to characterize radiological conditions across the site.
• 1,548 soil samples collected and analyzed to support remediation planning and waste volume calculations.
• Comprehensive cultural and natural resource surveys completed to protect sensitive environmental and historical resources throughout reclamation activities.

Advanced Technologies Improve Safety and Data Collection

The use of advanced technologies, including drone-mounted LiDAR systems and large-scale radiological surveying, enabled the project team to safely collect critical site data while minimizing exposure to hazardous areas.

Supporting the Future of Uranium Mine Reclamation in New Mexico

During the ceremony, state officials recognized the progress achieved during the program’s first year and the collaborative approach demonstrated by participating contractors and agencies. ENTACT representatives also met with state agency personnel, community stakeholders, and tribal representatives to discuss ongoing reclamation efforts and future opportunities across New Mexico.

New Mexico officials estimate that more than one thousand abandoned mine sites exist throughout the state, underscoring the long-term importance of the Abandoned Uranium Mine Reclamation Initiative and the need for continued investment in remediation and reclamation programs.

Building on the Success of the Abandoned Uranium Mine Initiative

The successful closure of Red Bluff No. 1 demonstrates the value of combining environmental remediation expertise, radiological capabilities, and innovative field technologies to address complex legacy mining sites. As the initiative moves into its next phase, ENTACT remains committed to supporting New Mexico’s efforts to protect communities, restore impacted lands, and advance responsible reclamation throughout the region.

“Completing Red Bluff No. 1 during the program’s first fiscal year represents an important achievement for all project stakeholders,” said ENTACT CEO, Scott Chafin. “We are proud to support New Mexico’s efforts to address legacy uranium mining impacts and look forward to continuing our work alongside state agencies, local communities, and project partners as the initiative expands.”