Critical Minerals Mine Threatens Wildlife And Water In Arizona

A major mining project in southern Arizona is moving closer to approval, and that has many local residents worried about the long term cost to the environment. According to Inside Climate News, the U.S. Forest Service plans to approve South32’s Hermosa mine near Patagonia, even as concerns grow over polluted water, shrinking groundwater, and damage to one of North America’s richest biodiversity areas.

Supporters say the mine could help supply minerals needed for batteries and other energy technologies. However, that does not erase the risks. The Patagonia mountains sit in the Sky Islands, a rare region that helps connect wildlife across the U.S. and Mexico. The federal review found that 12 endangered species may be harmed, including jaguars and Mexican spotted owls. That alone should give decision makers pause.

Water may be the most urgent issue. Before mining can begin, South32 must pump huge amounts of groundwater out of an aquifer. Some of that water contains antimony and selenium, which can threaten human health and local waterways if treatment falls short. State regulators are already investigating contaminated discharge tied to the site. Meanwhile, nearby residents have been warned that their wells could be affected.

The company says it has upgraded treatment systems and will shut down wells when contamination levels rise. Still, critics argue that these problems are showing up before the mine is even fully operating. Over a 70 year lifespan, the project is expected to remove massive volumes of water and permanently alter how the aquifer functions.

Clean energy should not come at the expense of fragile ecosystems or the communities that depend on them. We can build a better future, but only if we protect Earth, respect animals, and choose a more plant based and just way of living.

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