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.
For Immediate Release September 19, 2016 NEW MEXICO HIGH COURT TO CONSIDER WATER SACRIFICE ZONES “As communities throughout the state are confronted by the critical impacts of long-term drought, it is irresponsible to allow mining companies to pollute groundwater that is needed by everyone,” says Allyson Siwik, GRIP Executive Director. SANTA FE, […]
Given Freeport-McMoRan’s deteriorating financial situation and failure to pass the Mining Act Financial Soundness Test, the Mining and Minerals Division (MMD) has requested that Freeport reduce its third-party guarantee to cover the company’s financial assurance obligations at the Chino mine. In a letter dated August 12, MMD requested a “Certificate of Face Amount Adjustment to […]
Freeport-McMoRan fails financial soundness test Company must meet financial assurance rules or start reclamation By Harry Browne, GRIP Treasurer/Secretary On March 18, New Mexico’s Mining and Minerals Division (MMD) sent Freeport-McMoRan (FCX) a shocking letter. “Unless the Third-Party Guarantee(s) are adjusted to meet the financial soundness test,” the division’s director, Fernando Martinez, wrote, “or (are) […]
The latest issue of GRIP’s newsletter, GetAGRIP, is now available for download. If you are a GRIP member expect your copy in your mailbox soon. In this issue: Freeport-McMoRan fails financial soundness test NM Attorney General determines NM CAP Entity violated Open Meetings Act in Gila diversion discussions Back to square one: NM CAP Entity […]
NMED’s draft rules limit public participation and expand polluters’ ability to discharge above water quality standards Send in your comments to NMED by August 17 The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) is in the process of revising statewide surface water and groundwater quality regulations for the state. Our colleagues at the NM Environmental Law Center have […]
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has requested public review and comment on its Draft Environmental Impact Statement on the Copper Flat Copper Mine under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Send in your public comments to the BLM today. The New Mexico Copper Corporation proposes reestablishing a poly-metallic mine and processing facility located near […]
Petition compels PD to release information related to stack demolition Silver City, NM, May 24, 2007 – Yesterday Sixth Judicial District Judge J.C. Robinson denied Gila Resources Information Project’s petition for a temporary restraining order to halt the Phelps Dodge Hurley Smelter stack demolition until the public’s health and safety have been adequately protected. The […]
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