NASP Supports Navajo Mine Expansion and Tribal Sovereignty

Native Americans for Sovereignty and Preservation (NASP) supports the Navajo Mine expansion. Tribal sovereignty matters. So does economic independence. In September 2026, the federal government approved the No Name permit within the existing mine lease in northwestern New Mexico.

The Navajo Nation owns the mine’s operator, Navajo Transitional Energy Company, or NTEC. NASP supports activities that increase Tribal economic development and build domestic resources for Tribal use.

Navajo Mine Supports Economic Independence

NTEC reports contributing more than $120 million annually to the Navajo Nation. Separately, it says mine revenue and royalties account for approximately 25 percent of the Nation’s general fund. Those figures explain why energy policy carries consequences for Tribal budgets and economic independence.

NASP supports resource development that creates Tribal jobs, strengthens public revenue, and keeps economic decisions in Tribal hands.

Local Chapters Deserve an Honest Hearing

NTEC publishes local chapter resolutions supporting the permit, including Burnham’s December 2025 resolution. Meanwhile, Tó Nizhóní Ání and San Juan Citizens Alliance are appealing the approval over concerns about water, relocation, cleanup, and public participation.

The group also cites a later Burnham resolution opposing the project. These conflicting positions deserve an honest hearing. Tribal sovereignty includes listening to affected families and weighing community decisions alongside economic needs.

Tribal Sovereignty Requires Accountability

As our discussion of Native economic independence emphasizes, durable prosperity requires Tribal control. NASP supports the Navajo Mine expansion alongside clear financial reporting, enforceable environmental safeguards, and meaningful consultation.

Respect the Nation’s authority within the law to weigh those obligations and opportunities. Sovereignty must mean something in practice!