In the remote and tiny town of Mogollon, New Mexico, an impending disaster of broad proportions is underway.
Much like the lone prospector with 'gold fever' of days-gone-by, Summa Silver Corporation, a foreign- owned junior mineral exploration company, has begun drilling exploratory cores in the Mogollon area in hopes of finding high grade ore that the miners of the past missed. And just like the old-time prospector motivated by the greed of striking it rich, Summa Silver has recently staked additional mining claims expanding deep into Forest Service land encompassing thousands of acres of private and public lands.
Many of the residents of Mogollon and surrounding areas are concerned what the future may hold. If Summa Silver gets their way, Mogollon will be transformed into an industrial mining site, or, as CEO Galen McNamara states: "a classic American mining district." Gone will be the serenity, the wildlife, the days-gone-by feeling that visitors and locals alike cherish. Noise, dust, and light pollution will rule the day. Oversized and overweight trucks utilizing Mogollon's narrow mountain road will turn a once beautiful scenic drive into a nightmare commute for all.
In the 100-years since Mogollon's mining heyday, the environment surrounding Mogollon has renewed itself. Ponderosa pine, Douglas fir and pinyon pine once again cover the steep slopes and wildlife abounds including several threatened and endangered species.
The town itself was added to the National Registry of Historic Places in 1987 and is recognized as having one of the best restored collection of historic buildings in New Mexico including homes, Silver Creek Inn, Purple Onion Cafe, retail shops, a theater, and a museum. The surrounding area is also rich in Native American culture and artifacts.
Within close proximity to Mogollon, the Cosmic Campground located within the Gila National Forest became an international dark sky designation in 2016 due to its special recognition of its darkest skies status within the southwest region.
Established as the first federally designated wilderness in 1924, the Gila Wilderness borders the Mogollon area. Mogollon is the western gateway to the wilderness and is host to the avid hunter and the increasing numbers of hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrian enthusiasts traveling the Continental Trail.
Naturally, our local community and other stakeholders want to understand what the development of 'a classic American mining district' means to Mogollon and its surrounding area. Will it lead to: 1) a lower quality of life; 2) noise and dust pollution; 3) degradation of our local environment; 4) decimation of our thriving wildlife; 5) disruption to our local tourism; 6) cancellation of our dark sky status; 7) a diminished wilderness experience; 8) damage to our historical buildings due to blasting and heavy truck traffic; and 9) desecration of sacred ground within the traditional homelands of the Warms Springs Chiricahua Apache?
Three watersheds surrounding Mogollon—Mineral Creek, Silver Creek, and Whitewater Creek—could become depleted and contaminated, risking the water supply not only for Mogollon, but for the downstream towns of Alma, Glenwood, Pleasanton, and other settlements in the lower San Francisco and Gila watersheds. The pain would be felt by local residents, ranchers, and farmers alike. Water rights would become costly and hard to find while local wells would run dry as a 'classic water grab' is exercised to service the 'classic American mining district.'
As history shows, once again the prospector will abruptly leave town with all the riches in hand when the profitable ore runs out. Operations will shutter, leaving the local communities holding the bag.
What is the value of gold and silver when its extraction costs our environment and communities so dearly?
Bob Moore
Member of Mogollon Concerned Citizens Alliance