History of Red Lady

1977. An end-of-the-road town, a few hundred people, a breathtaking environment—so many elements of an idyllic life. What could go wrong?

Enter Amax, a multi-national mining corporation, intent on extracting a valuable mineral, molybdenum, from the heart of Red Lady, a magnificent mountain—named for the early morning red glow on its expansive face—watching over Crested Butte as a sentinel guarding the real jewel at its base. Our home.

As the shock wave of Amax’ announcement rippled through the collective core of our being, a group of concerned citizens came together to confront the impending menace and threat to our environment and way of life—and HCCA was born.

Through all manner of creative approaches to this massive problem at our doorstep, HCCA and our Town government sought to stymie and resist Amax at every possible opportunity. Using any available access to government channels, courtrooms, public outcry, and even throwing “Bye Bye Amax” parties and Red Lady Salvation Balls as encouragement for them to depart, the community took on the challenge, while some said that the mine couldn’t be stopped. The antiquated 1872 Mining Law seemed insurmountable, to some.

Our mayor, W Mitchell, undaunted, made connections with senators, news media, and any sources of support, knocking on doors in Washington DC, seeking help wherever possible. The thought of widespread pollution of our high-altitude environment and the industrialization of this entire area brought many to our cause.

1981. After four hard-fought years, the news came that Amax would be abandoning their plans, and leaving the valley, thanks to the community’s efforts combined with a fortuitous drop in the price of molybdenum. Their remaining legacy would be a mine water treatment plant, built at the Town’s insistence, that would be operated in perpetuity to protect our water supply from historic Keystone Mine effluent. Jubilation was the order of the day! In August, HCCA organized a celebratory Red Lady climb, followed by a street dance on Elk Ave. About 50 people climbed Red Lady, and Mitchell, in his wheelchair, was flown to the peak in a Denver Channel 7 helicopter. For the time, we had won.

In the ensuing years, the valley saw numerous attempts from several other mining companies, to do what Amax had not been able to do. Each time, HCCA and our community rallied to counter the latest threat, and companies like Cyprus-Amax, Phelps-Dodge, Kobex, Thompson Creek and US Energy followed in Amax’ departing footsteps, like the dinosaurs of ages past.

Freeport-McMoran arrived on the scene in 2015, and a significant shift in the Red Lady mine fight—the longest successful fight of its kind in the country—began. Freeport created a subsidiary called Mt. Emmons Mining Corp. (MEMC), and, recognizing that this area was not the place to invest in a massive industrial mine, began working with the community to find a permanent solution to the seemingly endless debacle. They assumed responsibility for the mine water treatment plant, a liability they inherited as they had once owned Phelps-Dodge, and began serious negotiations with local entities to arrive at a solution.

On February 23, 2021, MEMC submitted an application to the US Forest Service to commence a land trade which would lead to the culmination of what has been a 44-year challenge. HCCA’s Water Program Director, Julie Nania, has been stellar in her understanding of, and commitment to, the complex issues, and our prestigious mining attorney, Roger Flynn, has provided guidance and expertise second to none.

MEMC’s approach is a first tangible step in what is anticipated to start a cascade of events leading to a mineral withdrawal and the permanent solution we’ve all been seeking for so long. It may not be over, but it’s getting closer than it’s ever been, and our motivation is as strong as it was in 1977.