As a Critical Minerals Mine Nears Approval in Arizona, Residents Fear It’s Already Affecting Area Water - Inside Climate News

Arizona critical minerals project stirs fears of dry wells and polluted drinking water

A proposed South32 zinc-manganese mine fast-tracked by federal regulators is already linked to shrinking aquifers and metal spikes in private wells in southern Arizona.Wyatt Myskow reports for Inside Climate News.In short:Homeowners inside the mine’s projected 70-square-mile “cone of depression” received contracts offering water mitigation only if they waive future claims against the company.Independent sampling shows lead, iron, sulfate, and ma…

As a Critical Minerals Mine Nears Approval in Arizona, Residents Fear It’s Already Affecting Area Water - Inside Climate News

South32’s Hermosa mine would be the first approved under a new, fast-tracked process. The company recently notified local homeowners that it could impact their wells.By Wyatt MyskowPATAGONIA, Ariz.—When Becky and John Ball retired from careers in firefighting, they found their dream home in the foothills of Arizona’s famed Patagonia mountains. But less than a year after moving in, they worry they made a mistake. In June, a letter arrived in the …

As a Critical Minerals Mine Nears Approval in Arizona, Residents Fear It’s Already Affecting Area Water

South32's Hermosa mine would be the first approved under a new, fast-tracked process. The company recently notified local homeowners that it could impact their wells. By Wyatt Myskow PATAGONIA, Ariz.-When Becky and John Ball retired from careers in firefighting, they found their dream home in the foothills of Arizona's famed Patagonia mountains. But less than a year after moving in, they worry they made a mistake. In June, a letter arrived in th…