Anfield Energy nears Velvet-Wood Mine opening, buys underground truck fleet

Anfield Energy Inc. has signaled that it is getting close to starting operations at its recommissioned Velvet-Wood uranium-vanadium mine in San Juan County. In addition to a Nov. 6 groundbreaking ceremony at the mine site, the company has completed its first major procurement of specialized underground mining equipment. Anfield placed an order for eight custom-built underground haul trucks from Young’s Machine Co., a family-owned manufacturer based in Monticello. The machines will be custom-outfitted for Anfield’s use.

Anfield’s mining project at Velvet-Wood was greenlighted with expedited approvals from federal government agencies and the state of Utah earlier this year. The reopening of the mine, which produced 4 million pounds of uranium in the late 1970s, was fast-tracked under a federal accelerated review process, designed in response to the national energy emergency declared by Pres. Donald Trump in January.

“Securing our first fleet of underground trucks from Young’s Machine is a pivotal step in executing our near-term production strategy at Velvet-Wood,” said Corey Dias, Anfield CEO. “Partnering with a proven, Utah-based manufacturer like Young’s ensures we deploy rugged, fit-for-purpose equipment built for the unique demands of our high-grade uranium-vanadium material. This order not only de-risks our restart timeline but also strengthens local economic ties as we advance American energy independence through domestic nuclear fuel production.”

Anfield’s order includes multiple units from Young’s 960 Series dump trucks, designed for underground mining operations. The trucks are known for their durability, low overhead costs for buyers, and compatibility with uranium-vanadium material handling in challenging subsurface environments.

“In Anfield Energy’s hub-and-spoke uranium and vanadium production model, deploying a uniform fleet of underground haul trucks reduces maintenance complexity, optimizes spare parts logistics, lowers operational costs and enables rapid scalability as additional spokes come online,” the company said.

Young’s Machine will begin delivering the dump trucks in the second quarter of 2026.

With mining locations in Utah, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico, Anfield aims to restart its Shootaring Canyon Mill and scale production output up to 3 million pounds of uranium annually. The Velvet-Wood Mine will feed material to the mill, supporting a “hub-and-spoke” model that will contribute to the U.S. government’s aim of energy independence, a company statement said.

Young’s Machine Co., in business in Monticello since 1953, specializes in “mine-tested” equipment tailored for western U.S. operations.

“Their low-cost, high-quality build equipment make them an ideal local partner, reducing logistics costs for Anfield’s Utah-centric projects,” said Anfield. “This transaction also highlights Utah’s role as a mining hub, with Velvet-Wood just miles from Young’s facility.”

“We’re thrilled to partner with Anfield on this landmark order. It’s a testament to the trust they’ve placed in our custom 960 Series trucks,” said Steve Young of Young’s Machine Co. “Working with a forward-thinking team like Anfield’s, right here in our backyard, reinforces our commitment to powering Utah’s uranium revival with reliable, American-made equipment that stands up to the toughest underground conditions. We look forward to seeing these trucks haul the future of clean energy.”