Home industry metals-and-mining Leadville Divided: Gold Extraction Plan Sparks Debate in Colorado Town with Toxic Legacy
Metals And Mining
CIO Bulletin
2024-09-12
CJK Milling’s proposal to “remine” old gold waste in Leadville ignites controversy between economic potential and environmental concerns.
LEADVILLE, Colo. (AP) — A argumentative debate has erupted in Leadville, Colorado, over a new proposal by CJK Milling to extract gold from historic mining waste. This plan aims to reprocess old waste piles, left from Leadville’s gold and silver boom, to recover precious metals that were discarded decades ago.
The company intends to transport the waste to a nearby mill, where it would be crushed and treated with cyanide to extract trace amounts of gold. Proponents argue this could accelerate long-awaited cleanup efforts and create a "circular economy" by repurposing the old waste.
However, not everyone is on board. Critics fear that stirring up these waste piles could exacerbate Leadville’s existing pollution problems. Brice Karsh, a local fishing ranch owner, questions the wisdom of risking a return to the pollution levels of the past, when the Arkansas River was severely contaminated.
Leadville, with a population of around 2,600, has long been known for its mining legacy, which has left a mark on the local environment. The town, often cited as America’s highest city, now grapples with the repercussions of historic mining practices that leached toxic metals into its waterways.
Nick Michael, CJK Milling’s founder, sees the project as an opportunity to both clean up and capitalize on the gold left in the waste. He believes that modern techniques make the recovery economically viable, despite past environmental issues.
City Council member Christian Luna-Leal, who has personal ties to the town’s marginalized communities, expresses concerns about the project’s impact on local water quality and public health. He worries that the project might reverse progress made in environmental remediation.
The proposed plan involves drying and storing the extracted waste in a putty-like form, with an emergency catchment to mitigate risks. The EPA has stated that while it lacks direct oversight, the project has potential benefits for site cleanup and water treatment.
The debate in Leadville underscores the broader issue of how to manage historical pollution while exploring new economic opportunities. As global gold prices soar and demand for critical minerals increases, the remining of old waste becomes a more appealing option, yet it also raises complex questions about environmental stewardship and community health.
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