Path Cleared to Eliminate Mining at Red Lady
High Country Conservation Advocates (HCCA) is excited to announce another positive development in our community’s four decade-plus battle to save Mount Emmons (Red Lady) from a destructive molybdenum mine. This week the Town of Crested Butte, Gunnison County, and the Mount Emmons Mining Company (MEMC) agreed to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that plots the path forward to end the threat of mining on Red Lady.
HCCA supports the general concept of this MOU, and is excited to see this path forward laid out in writing. We commend the County, Town, and MEMC for their efforts to protect the Coal Creek watershed and permanently protect Red Lady from mining.
A key component of the MOU is a contemplated federal legislative withdrawal from future mineral exploration, mining, and development of approximately 9,000 acres on and around Mount Emmons. Because this requires an Act of Congress, HCCA and community partners have been in conversations with Senator Michael Bennet’s office to add the Mount Emmons lands to withdrawal areas already included in the Colorado Outdoor Recreation & Economy (CORE) Act. Adding the claims held by MEMC to this legislation would permanently withdraw them from future mining when the CORE Act becomes law.
In addition, MEMC has notified the U.S. Forest Service of its intent to pursue a land exchange to acquire approximately 450 acres of Forest Service land adjoining the 365 acres already owned by the company in order to allow for historic mine reclamation and to ensure the company can continue to operate its existing water treatment plant on the site. The land exchange proposal includes placing a conservation easement on all portions of the private property to restrict future mining and milling activities and allow for public recreational access and use.
HCCA is grateful for this positive development, and will be working closely with the Town, County, MEMC, and community to ensure that it proceeds and secures in perpetuity protection for Red Lady.