Uranium Producers of America

08/17/2026

Thank you Senator John Curtis and Senator Steve Daines for your leadership in strengthening America's critical mineral production.

“The Uranium Producers of America (UPA) applauds Senator Curtis and Senator Daines for introducing the Senate companion of the Critical Mineral and Extraction Tax Parity Act” said Scott Melbye, President, UPA and Executive Vice President, Uranium Energy Corp.

“This important legislation will strengthen domestic critical mineral production, including uranium. It will further reduce U.S. dependence on foreign adversaries for uranium supply chains. Including uranium and other critical minerals within the Section 45X Advanced Manufacturing Tax Credit will spur further investment in America uranium production, ensuring American energy security and national security as the world increasingly looks to nuclear energy to meet growing power demand.

This legislation complements previous efforts by Congress and the Trump Administration to ensure a robust and reliable domestic nuclear fuel supply chain that UPA and its member companies are actively working to expand.”

Senators Curtis and Daines introduced the Critical Mineral and Extraction Tax Parity Act, legislation to strengthen America’s domestic critical mineral supply chains by expanding and improving the Advanced Manufacturing Production Tax Credit under Section 45X of the Internal Revenue Code.

08/01/2026

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced the selection of Utah, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Idaho as potential host states for Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses, a new effort to strengthen and modernize the nation’s full nuclear fuel cycle.

The campuses will attract significant investment, expand domestic manufacturing, and create thousands of new high-paying jobs in their respective regions.

DOE announces Utah, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Idaho as potential hosts to modernize the nation’s nuclear fuel cycle

05/23/2026

Congressman Blake Moore Introduces Legislation to Strengthen Critical Mineral Supply Chains

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Blake Moore introduced legislation to strengthen domestic critical mineral supply chains, incentivize domestic mining, and support America's economic and national security.

The Critical Mineral and Extraction Tax Parity Act bolsters domestic critical mineral supply chains by updating the list of minerals eligible for the 45X Advanced Manufacturing Tax Credit to mirror the U.S. Geological Survey’s 2025 List of Critical Minerals and ensure extraction costs are eligible activities under the credit.

Rep. Moore's Ways and Means Committee colleagues, Representatives Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Mike Carey (R-OH), Max Miller (R-OH), and Aaron Bean (R-FL) cosponsored this legislation.

“Critical minerals are a crucial component of American everyday life. They’re used for everything from electronics to energy production, medical devices and treatments, and the defense technology that keeps our military the best in the world," Rep. Moore said. "Many of these minerals can be extracted right here in the United States, and even better, in Utah. I am proud to introduce the Critical Mineral and Extraction Tax Parity Act to update our tax code to incentivize domestic mining and processing of all 60 USGS critical minerals. Promoting a domestic critical mineral supply chain is not only important to the U.S. economy, but it is also essential to our national security.”

“Congressman Blake Moore’s Critical Mineral and Extraction Tax Parity Act is a timely and strategic step toward strengthening America’s domestic supply chains and reducing reliance on foreign sources for minerals essential to our economic and national security. By aligning the 45x tax credit with the U.S. Geological Survey’s critical minerals list and recognizing extraction as a qualifying activity, this legislation ensures that U.S. producers can compete on a level playing field. In Utah—where we responsibly mine many of the minerals incorporated into the bill including copper, uranium, phosphate, potash, silver, lead, and rhenium—these updates will help unlock investment, accelerate project development, and reinforce Utah’s leadership role in pursuing our nation’s minerals and energy dominance agenda,” said Brian Somers, President, Utah Mining Association.

"The Critical Mineral and Extraction Tax Parity Act positions Utah as a stronger, more reliable partner in global trade. From energy and aerospace to defense and emerging technologies, critical minerals are foundational to the industries shaping the future economy. Strengthening domestic supply chains creates new opportunities for Utah companies to lead, innovate, and compete globally," said Jonathan Freedman, president and CEO, World Trade Center Utah.

"A secure and robust domestic supply chain is the bedrock of America's aerospace and defense leadership. The Critical Mineral and Extraction Tax Parity Act introduced by Representative Moore is a vital step forward for our industrial base. This legislation ensures we can competitively source the elements necessary for next-generation aviation, defense and space technologies. Furthermore, by bringing tax parity to domestic ore extraction costs and explicitly excluding foreign countries of concern, this bill directly fortifies our national security. 47G strongly supports this effort to onshore our critical supply chains and empower the innovators building America's deep tech frontier," said Aaron Starks, CEO and President, 47G.

“Minerals are crucial to the future of American energy dominance. By incentivizing domestic extraction, we are shifting production away from adversarial regimes with abysmal environmental and labor records. This will unlock jobs for our rural communities, secure our supply chains, and help lower costs. It’s time we stop importing our energy future from China and start building it ourselves,” said Andrew Sandstrom, Executive Director, Unleash Utah.

“To reliably and affordably meet increasing demand, electric utilities need access to domestically produced electrical equipment. This same equipment contains critical minerals like copper that Utah produces. UAMPS applauds Congressman Moore for working to increase critical mineral mining and processing capacity in the United States,” said Mike Squires, Managing Director of Government Affairs, Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems (UAMPS).

“Copper is essential to America’s energy future, advanced manufacturing, infrastructure, and national defense. Including copper processing in the 45X tax credit strengthens domestic supply chains, supports American jobs, and ensures the United States has the refining and smelting capacity needed to compete in a rapidly changing global economy. At Rio Tinto Kennecott, we are proud to produce copper and other critical materials that are vital to the country’s economic and national security,” said Nate Foster, Managing Director, Kennecott Utah Copper.

“The National Mining Association applauds Utah Congressman Blake Moore’s introduction of the Critical Mineral and Extraction Tax Parity Act . This bill will offer real incentives for domestic mining operations across the country. By adding Boron, Copper, Lead, Potash, Rhenium, Silicon, Silver, Uranium and Phosphate to the list of eligible minerals under the Advanced Manufacturing Tax Credit, the U.S. can better compete in developing the irreplaceable mineral supply chains that underpin our modern industrial base and our energy, economic and national security. Incentivizing production of our vast domestic mineral resources is essential to creating the mineral security we so urgently need but don’t have. This bill is an important step forward in addressing our alarming mineral import overreliance and building U.S. mineral strength,” said Rich Nolan, President and CEO, National Mining Association.

“Critical minerals are essential manufacturing inputs, including for robotics, industrial automation, electronics, and electric grid components. The Advanced Manufacturing Production Credit is an important tool for boosting the domestic manufacturing of advanced technologies and bolstering U.S. competitiveness in the face of competition from China. By aligning the 45X statute with the recently updated 2025 Critical Minerals List, Rep. Moore’s Critical Mineral and Extraction Tax Parity Act will ensure greater access to those materials and help manufacturers launch projects that will secure our supply chains,” said Chris Phalen, Vice President of Domestic Policy, National Association of Manufacturers.

“The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is pleased to support the Critical Mineral and Extraction Tax Parity Act, which would strengthen the advanced manufacturing production tax credit. By expanding eligibility to additional critical minerals and better aligning the incentive with the full value chain, this legislation would encourage more domestic production and refining, bolster critical mineral supply chains, support U.S. manufacturers, and enhance America’s economic and national security,” said Ruth Demeter, Global Energy Institute, U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

"The Uranium Producers of America (UPA) strongly supports Representative Moore's legislation to strengthen domestic critical mineral production, including uranium. This legislation will strengthen domestic critical mineral production and reduce U.S. dependence on foreign adversaries for uranium supply chains. Including uranium and other critical minerals within the Section 45X Advanced Manufacturing Tax Credit will encourage new investment in American critical mineral production, ensuring American energy security and national security into the future. Representative Moore’s legislation will help ensure a robust and reliable domestic nuclear fuel supply chain that UPA and its member companies are already actively working to expand,” said Scott Melbye, President, UPA and Executive Vice President of Uranium Energy Corp.

“Congressman Moore’s work on critical minerals underscores how essential these materials are to America’s manufacturing strength and energy security. Ensuring a stable, domestic supply chain supports the industries that keep our nation moving, including steelmaking and advanced manufacturing,” said Emily Athrun, CEO, American Coal Council.

“CDA applauds Congressman Moore for his forward-thinking legislation to ensure important 45X tax credits apply to new USGS Critical Minerals like copper. Through massive state subsidies, China currently controls approximately 40% of global copper smelting capacity. This is unacceptable. With copper demand expected to increase 50% by 2040, extending 45X critical mineral production tax credits to primary and secondary copper smelters is a strategic imperative to make new and expanded copper processing capacity economically viable in America,” said Adam Estelle, President and CEO, Copper Development Association.

“Strengthening U.S. economic security and global technology leadership requires increased domestic critical mineral production and extraction. The Section 45X Advanced Manufacturing Production Credit is a key incentive that will help reach that important goal. ITI strongly supports the Critical Mineral and Extraction Tax Parity Act, legislation that will further expand and scale U.S. production capacity,” said Jason Oxman, President and CEO, Information Technology Industry Council.

“The Critical Mineral and Extraction Tax Parity Act ensures our policy framework reflects today’s critical mineral realities by aligning with the latest U.S. Geological Survey list and recognizing the full value of domestic production. This is practical and forward-looking legislation that modernizes our tax policy and takes steps to reduce our reliance on foreign sources and reinforce a strong, resilient domestic mining sector,” said Lyndsey Wright, Executive Director, Women’s Mining Coalition.

"America should lead the world in critical minerals production. The Critical Mineral and Extraction Tax Parity Act will incentivize domestic production for all minerals on the USGS critical minerals list, strengthen supply chains and ensure America, not foreign adversaries, controls our energy and economic future,” said Jeremy Harrell, CEO, ClearPath Action.

"Securing domestic supply chains for critical minerals is imperative for us to lead on the technologies that make our modern world possible. We applaud Congressman Moore on introducing the Critical Mineral and Extraction Tax Parity Act, a valuable piece of legislation that will help incentivize the development of more resilient supply chains and assure we have the critical components necessary for our national, energy, and economic security,” said Heather Reams, President & CEO, Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions.

“Adding phosphate to the list of eligible minerals under section 45X of the Internal Revenue Code will greatly help domestic phosphate producers like the Simplot Company and will incentivize future investment in phosphate mining and processing. We applaud Congressman Blake Moore’s introduction of this legislation and his support of strengthening the domestic supply chain for critical minerals such as phosphate,” said Garrett Lofto, President and CEO, the Simplot Company.

The Critical Mineral and Extraction Tax Parity Act will strengthen America’s energy supply chains and help ensure we meet growing energy demand with materials sourced and processed here at home. Sunrun applauds Representative Moore’s leadership in creating American jobs, strengthening domestic mineral production, and accelerating the deployment of resilient energy infrastructure nationwide,” said Stephen Lassiter, Senior Director, Sunrun.

“The Mosaic Company commends Congressman Blake Moore and Congressman Vern Buchanan for their leadership in strengthening America’s critical mineral supply chain and prioritizing national security. The Critical Mineral and Extraction Tax Parity Act will help U.S. miners and manufacturers supply essential minerals here at home, reducing reliance on Chinese minerals producers. Representing two states producing phosphate fertilizers, Reps. Moore and Buchanan understand the strategic importance of domestic phosphate production. Phosphate is a U.S. Critical Mineral. Adding phosphate to the Advanced Manufacturing Production Tax Credit levels the playing field for American companies while supporting U.S. mining and fertilizer competitiveness,” said Bruce Bodine, President and CEO, the Mosaic Company.

Background:

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) is responsible for updating the annual List of Critical Minerals, based on which minerals are most vital to the U.S. economy and national security and face potential risks from disrupted supply chains. In their most recent update in November 2025, the USGS added 10 new minerals to the list: boron, copper, lead, metallurgical coal, phosphate, potash, rhenium, silicon, silver, and uranium.

The Advanced Manufacturing Tax Credit, frequently referred to as 45X, provides a 10% tax credit for the cost of production of critical minerals (2.5% limit for the production of metallurgical coal), but the tax credit has not yet been updated to reflect the additional minerals added by the Trump Administration.

The Critical Mineral and Extraction Tax Parity Act:

· Adds Boron, Copper, Lead, Potash, Rhenium, Silicon, Silver, Uranium, and Phosphate as eligible minerals under the Advanced Manufacturing Tax Credit
· Removes the 2.5% credit limit on metallurgical coal, allowing producers to claim the entire credit available to other minerals
· Clarifies that mineral extraction is an eligible expense under the credit if the ore is extracted in the United States or if the ore is not of a type extracted in the US at a commercial scale AND not extracted in a foreign country of concern.

Additional supporters of the bill include:

· National Fertilizer Institute
· Energy Fuels
· DISA Technologies
· Mariana Minerals
· Milford Mining
· Intrepid Potash
· Sage Potash
· Utah Potash
· Osisko Development - Tintic Consolidated Metals Division
· Revival Gold
· American Clean Power Association
· Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry
· Idaho Mining Association
· Kentucky Coal Association
· Advanced Materials Technologies

04/08/2026

The global uranium sector has moved beyond speculative exploration and now faces an urgent need for increased production. This shift comes as a significant supply shortfall meets surging energy requirements fueled by artificial intelligence advancements and the United States' determined efforts to reduce reliance on Eastern energy sources. During a conversation at the PDAC 2026 conference, Scott Melbye, Executive Vice President of Uranium Energy Corp (UEC) and CEO of Uranium Royalty Corp, described the current landscape as the onset of a major, multi-year expansion for the industry.

After reaching a two-year high of over $101 per pound in January, uranium prices have settled near $86, which Melbye refers to as a temporary pause before further growth. "The market fundamentals are stronger than ever," Melbye explained. "Initially, green energy trends drove demand, but now the world’s broader energy transition, along with geopolitical dynamics, have brought us to a point where a near-term deficit of 50 million pounds could balloon to 1.7 billion pounds by 2045."

Uranium Industry Faces New Era Amid Soaring Demand and Geopolitical ShiftsThe global uranium sector has moved beyond speculative exploration and now faces a | Bitget crypto news!

04/08/2026

Both China and Russia have rapidly boosted nuclear energy production in the last 10 years and are aggressively working to export their own nuclear technology. Countries around the world are interested in embracing nuclear energy, and it is vital that Wyoming and the United States lead the way instead of surrendering that economic opportunity, technology and mining dominance to our competitors.

China leads the world in nuclear reactor construction, with over 30 new plants underway. But they aren’t just building them for themselves. Beijing desperately wants to export their nuclear technology around the world, and tie other countries to Chinese designs and Chinese supply chains for decades to come.

Wyoming isn't going to let that happen without a fight. The Kemmerer Power Station puts us at the front of this race. It will power our communities, put Wyoming workers to work, and show the rest of the world how next-generation nuclear energy actually gets done.

Wyoming leads America's nuclear future as TerraPower's advanced reactor gets federal approval. The state's uranium deposits position it to power AI boom.

04/08/2026

The Uranium Producers of America (UPA) strongly supports Senator Cynthia Lummis’ legislation to codify President Trump’s executive orders (EOs) advancing nuclear energy,” said Scott Melbye, President of the UPA and Executive Vice President of Uranium Energy Corp.

“This effort represents a critical step toward achieving the United States’ goal of quadrupling U.S. nuclear energy production by 2050. Meeting this target will require a robust and reliable domestic nuclear fuel supply chain that UPA and its member companies are actively expanding. Codifying the EOs will enhance energy and national security and ensure the United States can meet growing electricity demand with reliable, baseload nuclear power.”

Washington, D.C. — Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) today introduced the Strengthening American Nuclear Energy Act of 2026, legislation that codifies four of President Trump’s executive orders on nuclear energy into law, locking in the Trump administration’s pro-nuclear agenda and ensuring it c...

03/11/2026

This is the first construction permit ever issued by the NRC for a commercial non-light-water power reactor and represents a historic step toward deployment of a new generation of advanced reactors in the United States.

Decision marks the first construction permit ever issued by the NRC for a commercial non-light-water power reactor.

01/16/2026

UPA STATEMENT ON TRUMP ADMINISTRATION'S EXECUTIVE ORDER ON THE SECTION 232 INVESTIGATION ON CRITICAL MINERALS

Following President Trump's Executive Order "Adjusting Imports of Processed Critical Minerals and Their Derivative Productions into the United States," Uranium Producers of America (UPA) President and Executive Vice President of Uranium Energy Corp. Scott Melbye issued the following statement:

"The Uranium Producers of America commend President Trump for his ongoing commitment to bring uranium and other critical mineral supply chains back to the U.S. We applaud yesterday's action to pursue trade measures addressing the U.S. overreliance on imported critical minerals and derivative products, including uranium and nuclear fuel.

For far too long, the United States has been reliant on uranium imports from foreign adversaries like Russia and China. We thank the Administration for its leadership and multi-pronged effort to
rebuild a secure and complete nuclear fuel supply chain in the U.S., which is vital for national security and American energy dominance."

UPA is the national trade association representing companies in the domestic uranium mining, conversion, and enrichment sectors within the front end of the nuclear fuel cycle. UPA's mission is to promote the viability of the nation's uranium industry while being good stewards of the environments in which we work and live.

UPA members conduct uranium exploration, development, and mining operations in Arizona, Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Wyoming. The conversion facility is located i n Illinois, and the enrichment projects are in North Carolina and Kentucky.

For further information, please contact Jon J. Indall, (505) 690-7709

01/07/2026

Thank you U.S. Department of Energy! Secretary Chris Wright said the investment supports President Donald Trump’s push to improve energy security and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers, particularly Russia, which currently dominates the global HALEU market, according to Reuters.

“Today’s awards show that this Administration is committed to restoring a secure domestic nuclear fuel supply chain capable of producing the nuclear fuels needed to power the reactors of today and the advanced reactors of tomorrow," Wright said.

The funding aims to boost U.S. uranium production, cut reliance on Russia and support current reactors and next-generation nuclear plants.

12/18/2025

The UPA was proud to join with over 300 organizations voicing support for the SPEED Act. This important legislation creates certainty in the permitting process and spurs domestic investment in critical infrastructure, energy, and conservation.

The bill passed the US House of Representatives today and now heads to the US Senate.

WASHINGTON – House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) today announced key stakeholder support for the Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development (SPEED) Act. More than 300 organizations have voiced their support for this legislation, which creates certainty in the permitting proce...