Heavy Metals in Water Pumped out of Pinyon Plain Mine (Formerly Canyon Mine)

How much arsenic, uranium, and lead are in the water pumped out of Pinyon Plain Mine near the Grand Canyon?

Since late 2016, more than 80 million gallons of groundwater have been pumped out of a controversial uranium mine, Pinyon Plain Mine (formerly Canyon Mine), near Grand Canyon National Park. The water shows high levels of heavy metals, including uranium, arsenic, and lead, according to data reported to the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality.

Arsenic, uranium, and lead levels 2016-2025

Four water droplets illustrate rising uranium, arsenic, and lead levels from 2016 flooding to 2023 mining at Pinyon Plain Uranium Mine, compared to EPA safe amounts.

Sources: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Energy Fuels Resources Aquifer Protection Reports 2026-2025.

Arsenic, uranium, and lead levels 2016-2023

How much water has been pumped out of Canyon Mine (aka Pinyon Plain Mine)

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If using this graphic, please credit: Luke Bennett, Cecily Santiago, and Tyler Ha, TIL+

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Related Resources

Line graph showing average arsenic levels (2017–2025) at Pinyon Plain Uranium Mine wells, with some readings exceeding EPA’s safe drinking water limit. Inset map marks well locations.

Arsenic Contamination at Pinyon Plain Mine

Rising arsenic levels in monitoring wells at Pinyon Plain uranium mine raise concerns about possible contamination of groundwater in the Grand Canyon region.
A small clearing with uranium mine buildings is surrounded by dense forest, with a distant Grand Canyon on the horizon under a clear sky.

Statement on Events of May 17, 2026

Opponents of Pinyon Plain Mine have a right to protest under the First Amendment, and the Grand Canyon Trust fully supports anyone who chooses to lawfully exercise that right.