Forest Service has begun cleanup of abandoned mine waste on Gila National Forest
Mineral Creek area mine tailings to be stabilized to improve local water quality

The USDA Forest Service began an environmental cleanup effort at the Mineral Creek Tailings Pile on October 16, 2023. The site is located within the Mogollon Mining District, near the community of Alma, NM on the Glenwood Ranger District of the Gila National Forest.

Approximately 175,000 cubic yards of mine tailings were transported to the area from the Little Fannie Mine via a flume sometime between 1895 and 1934. This material contains elevated levels of lead which may be eroding into Mineral Creek.

In June 2023 the USDA Forest Service made the decision to pursue an environmental remediation to address potential threats to human health and the environment caused by elevated levels of lead in the waste. Work will include re-grading the material to stable shape and armoring it with a minimum of 18 inches of locally sourced rock riprap. Disturbed areas will be seeded at the end of the project.

The site is located off Mineral Creek Road, approximately 4 miles from Alma, NM. Mineral Creek Road will remain open during construction activities. Members of the public should be aware of their surroundings and drive carefully when in the area, as heavy equipment may be on the road. The project is estimated to be completed by December 2023. For more information on this project please contact Steven McDonald, New Mexico Statewide On Scene Coordinator, at Steven.McDonald@usda.gov .