TSX-V- and Nasdaq-listed Anfield Energy has completed the first underground blast in nearly 40 years at the historic Velvet-Wood uranium and vanadium project, in Utah.
The site had not seen active exploration since 1984.
Following receipt of a blast permit, Anfield is now moving from surface site preparation into active underground rehabilitation, which paves the way to dewater the historic mine workings over the next few months.
The company has already rehabilitated the first 700 feet of the decline, with other rehabilitation work to date including the installation of rock bolts and wire mesh for improved ground support, mine ventilation infrastructure and roadworks.
Velvet-Wood is poised to serve as a key feed source for Anfield's Shootaring Canyon mill, in Garfield County. The Shootaring mill is one of only three licensed conventional uranium processing mills in the US, Anfield says.
"The reactivation of the Velvet-Wood mine directly supports state-wide efforts to secure Utah's domestic critical minerals supply chain and advance rural economic development," Anfield CEO **Corey** **Dias** comments.
He adds that this progress at Velvet-Wood continues against the backdrop of the Trump Administration’s sustained focus on strengthening America’s domestic nuclear fuel supply chain and critical minerals production.
"Utah’s recent selection as one of five state contenders for Department of Energy nuclear lifecycle campuses further underscores the state’s strategic importance in advancing responsible US uranium and vanadium development."