Our Story
Grants Energy's story is rooted in respect, responsibility, and innovation, shaping the next generation of uranium production in New Mexico while honoring a unique legacy.
The journey began over 60 years ago, upon the discovery of one of the nation's largest uranium resources in the Grants Mineral Belt. Discovered in the 1960s and initially developed in the late 1970s, the mine was operated by Gulf and subsequently Chevron, with commercial mining activities carried out between 1979 and 1990. However, by the 1990s, global uranium markets faced significant challenges from geopolitical events. As a result, Chevron placed the mine into care and maintenance in 1990, preserving its potential for a future resurgence in energy demand.
In 1991, Rio Grande Resources Corporation (RGR), a subsidiary of General Atomics Uranium Resources, saw the long-term value and acquired the mine, including all surface and mineral rights, water rights, and a comprehensive package of state and federal permits. From the beginning, RGR maintained all necessary permits and regulatory obligations with unwavering commitment, investing millions of dollars in caretaking, environmental compliance, and permitting, even as the mine remained idle. Despite holding an active mining permit and completing all regulatory requirements, RGR never produced a pound of uranium from the site, demonstrating a steadfast sense of responsibility to the community, the land, and New Mexico's regulatory framework.
By 2019, acknowledging both evolving environmental standards and the need for more sustainable approaches, RGR made a pivotal decision: to relinquish its active conventional mining permit and transition the project to in situ recovery (ISR) technology. This path required starting the permitting process from scratch, investing tens of millions of dollars in mine closure, site reclamation, and new permits in full compliance with the New Mexico Environment Department and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The company thoroughly addressed historical surface impacts: removing ore piles, decommissioning ponds, dismantling infrastructure, and responsibly disposing of materials, all without taking shortcuts. This was done alongside ongoing, transparent engagement with regulators and community stakeholders.
A major reason RGR could confidently make the evolution from legacy conventional to next-generation ISR is Grants Energy's unique connection to world-class ISR expertise. Grants Energy is an affiliate of Heathgate Resources in South Australia, a global leader in ISR technology with over 26 years of successful operations and collaboration with local Aboriginal partners. Through this affiliation, Grants Energy brings proven experience in delivering safe, low-impact uranium recovery using cutting-edge solutions that set industry standards.
At its core, Grants Energy is more than just an energy company. We are a New Mexico-based technology organization focused on the stewardship of land, water, air, and people. ISR fundamentally differs from conventional mining. Instead of moving vast amounts of rock and generating large tailings piles, ISR selectively extracts uranium by circulating a groundwater-based solution through the ore body underground. This method uses a fraction of the water, has minimal surface disturbance, and allows the land to be restored more quickly and effectively.
Our approach is holistic and people-centered. We proactively consult with tribal neighbors and local communities, not just to fulfill regulatory obligations, but to honor cultural sites and ensure that all voices are heard and respected. Grants Energy is committed to setting a new standard for transparency, cooperation, and cultural preservation, ensuring that the uranium needed for our clean energy future is produced domestically again, in a way that respects the past and invests in the future.
