Opposition to Proposed Gold Mine at Antelope Pass
CRC has learned that there is a Canadian based mining company that is planning to develop claims on BLM managed land at Antelope Pass New Mexico. The area for proposed development maps directly onto an 8,700 acre Research Natural Area.
(map by Curt Bradley)
This was designated by the Bureau of Land Management because of the extraordinary biodiversity of that location. The highest number of lizard species for any comparably sized area in North America are found there. Working with New Mexico Wild we’ve submitted a letter of concern to the Las Cruces office of BLM to put them on notice that we expect:
- the agency to uphold their RNA protections and to keep the extraordinary biological values of Antelope Pass a priority under their own Resource Management Plan
- full disclosure of documents moving forward should Almadex apply for further hard rock exploration or file a Plan of Operations
- BLM to facilitate a robust and comprehensive public involvement process, bringing all stakeholders to the table, if and when the NEPA process begins
