GRANTS, N.M. — A planned uranium mining project in Cibola County is now on hold until May 1 after hundreds of people submitted comments opposing it.

More than 200 people submitted public comments opposing the La Jara Mesa Project during a recent community meeting. They cited the potential damage to the landscape, health impacts of radioactive contamination and the cultural significance of the Mount Taylor area to Native American people in the area.

The area has a rich history of uranium mining. While it led to a boom for towns, like Grants, that boom faded in the 1980s and left behind a deep impact on the environment and the health of people who lived near the mines and worked in them.

Regulations have also tightened in New Mexico with State Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard banning uranium mining on state lands. Community members also showed opposition to projects at an Aug. 6 meeting in Church Rock.

The U.S. Forest Service is the lead federal agency on this project and the nearby Roca Honda Uranium mine project. They’re accepting public comments about the environmental impacts of the latter project through Oct. 14 at this portal.