Beginning with its initial meeting in March 2002, the Mining Impact Communications Alliance (M.I.C.A.) has been busy providing a voice for New Mexicans concerned with the environmental impacts of mining operations. From attending hearings of legislative committees and the New Mexico Mining Commission to protesting environmentally unsound milling practices, the alliance has been active throughout the state. Here are some of M.I.C.A.’s recent activities:
Phelps Dodge Mining Company Proposes to Gut NM Mining Act
Harry Browne, of the Gila Resource Information Project testified before the committee, countering a proposal put forth by the Phelps Dodge Mining Company that would gut the New Mexico Mining Act. The proposal by Phelps would essentially undermine the ten year-old mining act, which has been hailed by environmental groups as one of the strongest mining legislations in place in the United States, by establishing mining zones and drastically changing the Water Quality Act. If passed, the proposal, presented by Tony Trujillo of Phelps Dodge, which will be fashioned into a bill or bills to be introduced at this years legislative session, would be tantamount to creating mini “states of Phelps Dodge”, said Browne. As proposed by Phelps, these mining zones would not be subject to New Mexico laws and would allow further environmental degradation.
This proposal is an affront to our citizens and would result in millions of dollars in environmental cleanup to be paid for by the residents of the state, not Phelps Dodge. Republican Rep. Robert White of Bernalillo County termed this attempt by Phelps Dodge as, “a total lack of fiscal responsibility.”
M.I.C.A. and Amigos Bravos will assist in aggressive lobbying efforts at this year’s legislative session to kill the proposed legislation in order to protect the citizens of New Mexico from bad actors such as Phelps Dodge. “We need everyone’s help in this effort, and we will keep our members and concerned citizens informed of the proposed legislation by using our action alert network and telephone calls in order to activate our membership,” said Francisco Apodaca, M.I.C.A.’s Mining Reform Campaign Manager.
Oglebay Norton Mine and Mill Protest
A protest against Oglebay Norton’s Picuris Mica mine and it’s mill in Velarde was held on November 14, 2002. The Albuquerque Journal reported that about 60 people protested the proposed expansion and on-going oper-ation at both sites. Picuris Pueblo War Chief Richard Merjemo said that the mine has destroyed areas considered as traditional areas for the collection of clay used to make prized ceremonial and artistic pottery. Oglebay Norton, an Ohio based specialty minerals company, has sought permits to expand it’s operations at both sites.
Donna House, President of Vecinos del Río, a Velarde environmental group, said that “Olgebay Norton has not at all been a good neighbor. They’ve been polluting our air and water.”
January M.I.C.A. meeting held in Albuquerque
A sucessful general meeting of the M.I.C.A. membership was held on January 11, 2003 at the First Unitarian Church of Albuquerque. The main topic of discussion at the meeting was the formulation of strategies for the upcoming legislative session in order to defend and strengthen the Mining Act. A proposal to incorporate environmental justice principles was also discussed and referred to the steering committee for revision.
An educational discussion of regional issues preceeded the legislative strategy discussion. Melton Martinez of the Eastern Navajo Uranium Workers, said that the 300+ Uranium mines on the Navajo nation and surrounding region were having a devastating impact on human health in the area. “There are only a few people who are 50 to 60 years old who worked the mines. Many of my friend and relatives are gone,” he said. “The young are now being affected, we are suffering from strange viral infections and skin cancer, once rare among the Navajo people, is prevalent,” said Martinez.
Ross Lockridge, of the Concerned Citizens of Cerrillos, informed the group of plans for large-scale gravel mines near Golden and on the top of La Bajada Mesa. Lockridge said, “They intend to strip large areas and truck gravel for construction in the area. This mining, and the increase in truck traffic, will have a negative impact on the communities along the Turquoise Trail.” |
