Grant County is home to two of the nation’s five largest open-pit copper mines, responsible for ongoing groundwater contamination, aquifer depletion, bird deaths, and the destruction of preciouis riparian areas.
Since 1998, GRIP has raised awareness of these issues and mobilized residents to voice their opinions at hearings and in letters to newspapers and decisionmakers. By hiring a national expert in mine reclamation, we have also educated regulators and the mines about industry best practices.
As a result of these efforts and the support of environmental groups statewide, the Tyrone and Chino mines have two of the nation’s best reclamation plans, backed by over $500 million in financial assurance.
As a partner in the New Mexico Mining Act Network, GRIP continues to defend the NM Mining Act and Water Quality Act from industry rollback attempts, such as with the latest water quality regulation for copper mining. Ongoing activities include monitoring the environmental impacts of the mines under operational permits, oversight of permitting for a proposed new haul road at the Cobre mine and permitting of a new mine near Hillsboro.
Freeport-McMoRan (FMI) began interim cleanup of Hanover/Whitewater Creek in late October as part of the 1994 Chino Administrative Order on Consent, a legally- binding agreement with NMED to remediate historical mine contamination caused by Chino Mine. GRIP has participated in the AOC’s Community Work Group since its inception and advocates for timely cleanup that is […]
State regulators will be holding hearings on the Copper Flat Mine, located in Hillsboro, NM. New Mexico Copper Corporation has applied for a groundwater discharge permit from the NM Environment Department and a mining permit from the NM Mining and Minerals Division. The New Mexico Environment Department public hearing will begin at 9:00 a.m. on September […]
New Mexico Supreme Court Upholds Water Sacrifice Zones March 9, 2018 SANTA FE, N.M.—The New Mexico Supreme Court issued a stunning and puzzling decision in its long-awaited review of the Copper Rule. The case could set precedent for how the State of New Mexico protects water at all industrial sites. “We are very disappointed with […]
Martinez Administration wants to weaken water quality rules GRIP, Amigos Bravos, & NMELC challenge harmful rollbacks The New Mexico Environment Department has proposed amendments to the state’s water quality regulations that will weaken protections for our surface and groundwater. GRIP and Amigos Bravos, represented by the NM Environmental Law Center, have challenged these proposed changes, […]
Cobre-Continental Mine Proposal to Resume Operations Public Hearing, Aug 29, 5:30 pm Open House starts at 4:00 pm Freeport-McMoRan Cobre Mining Company has proposed to take the Continental Mine off of standby status and resume operations. Inactive since 2007, the company must obtain permits under the NM Mining Act and Water Quality Act to cover operations […]
STAND UP FOR CLEAN WATER! Open House & Public Hearing on Proposed Chino Mine North Lampbright Waste Rock Stockpile Show your support for clean water by attending the Mining and Minerals Division public hearing on Freeport-McMoRan’s proposal for a new waste rock stockpile to be constructed northeast of the Kneeling Nun. The North Lampbright Waste Rock […]
For Immediate Release October 14, 2016 Contact: Allyson Siwik, Executive Director, Gila Resources Information Project 575.590.7619 cell Freeport-McMoRan Financial Assurance Proposal Puts New Mexico at Risk GRIP calls for phase out of $104 Million Third Party Guarantee The Gila Resources Information Project submitted public comments on Wednesday to the Mining and Minerals Division and NM Environment […]
The Mining and Minerals Division will hold a public hearing on the proposed construction of a new North Lampbright Stockpile on Thursday, October 27 at 5:30 pmat the Grant County Commission Meeting Room, 1400 Highway 180 East, Silver City, NM. According to Chino’s application, the proposed North Lampbright Waste Rock Stockpile will be contiguous to Chino’s […]
For Immediate Release October 13, 2016 Contacts: A.J. Sandoval, Program Associate, Gila Resources Information Project, 575.538.8078 Allyson Siwik, Executive Director, Gila Resources Information Project, 575.590.7619 Gila Resources Information Project to Hold Community Meeting on Mining Issues October 20th 6:00 pm at Bayard Community Center The Gila Resources Information Project (GRIP) will hold a community […]
October 1, 2016 The New Mexico Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the “Copper Rule” case on Wednesday, September 28, 2016. GRIP, Amigos Bravos, Turner Ranch Properties, former NMED Groundwater Quality Bureau Chief Bill Olson and NM Attorney General Hector Balderas asked the state’s high court to set aside the Rule and require the Water […]
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