By: NM Mining Watch Steering Committee
A coalition of community and environmental organizations is reintroducing New Mexico Mining Watch, a statewide effort focused on mining oversight, water protection, and community health. The relaunch comes as mining proposals – including uranium and copper projects – are gaining attention across New Mexico and the Western United States. Bureau of Land Management data shows that 47% of all active mining claims in New Mexico have been staked in the last 5 years, demonstrating the potential for new mining proposals in the future. In southwest New Mexico, with a long history of copper, gold, and silver extraction, mining issues continue to be part of ongoing concern and community discussions.
The coalition relaunch follows a recent decision by New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez to join multi-state guidance affirming that environmental justice initiatives remain lawful and are important to New Mexico. The guidance, supported by 13 states, clarifies that states retain authority to protect public health and consider how cumulative and disparate environmental impacts affect communities.
Organizations involved in NM Mining Watch engaged with the Attorney General's office in the lead-up to that decision and view it as an example of how state leadership and community input can affect environmental policy.
As mining proposals move forward in different parts of the state, coalition members emphasize that mining decisions involve multiple layers of state and federal review, along with opportunities for public comment and involvement.
"Decisions about mining affect more than economics. They impact drinking water supplies, community health, land and cultural resources and whether or not we have a sustainable local economy for the future," said Allyson Siwik, Executive Director of the Gila Resources Information Project. "It's important that communities have clear information and a voice in decisions that shape their future."
Coalition representatives say their goal is to provide clear, accessible information about mining and environmental decision-making so communities can better understand what is happening and how to get involved in the process.
NM Mining Watch brings together organizations working across New Mexico, including in front line communities that have experienced the long-term impacts of past mining activity.
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