Navajo Community Stalls Copper Mine Development Amid Environmental Concerns
A Navajo community located 20 miles from Page has taken a firm stance against a proposed copper mine, marking the latest in a series of decisions by tribal members to reject mining initiatives. The Coppermine Chapter, by a significant majority, passed a resolution on August 16 opposing all mining activities within its jurisdiction, citing threats to public health and potential harm to grazing lands.
Chakana Copper, a Canadian mining company, finds its Copper Mesa Project effectively halted unless the community reconsiders. David Kelley, CEO of Chakana Copper, stated, “We want a project that’s wholeheartedly endorsed by the community, [and] until such time that it gets to that point, then there’s not going to be a project.” Copper Mesa Project has been met with resistance from residents who are concerned about its environmental impact.
Destinee Bigman, a local resident, expressed relief over the community’s decision, emphasizing the cultural and environmental significance of the land. “I’m just happy for the community,” she noted. “Our land holds a lot of meaning to us as a family, and it means a lot. I mean, we ranch out there. We do our traditional ceremonies there.” Despite assurances from Kelley about the safety and regulatory compliance of the mining operations, the community remains unconvinced.
Earlier efforts by Chakana Copper to gain community support included engaging ETD, a Navajo-led environmental consultancy. However, Adrian Dotson from ETD acknowledged the insurmountable community opposition, stating, “We just felt like it was an uphill battle that we couldn’t win.”
Chakana Copper has proposed economic incentives, including a $5 million investment in community projects and improvements, as well as compensation for affected Navajo families. “Very importantly, royalties from the project would go directly to the Navajo Nation,” Kelley explained, suggesting that the venture could be beneficial for the community’s infrastructure and economy.
Despite these offers, the community’s decision appears firm, as reiterated by a resolution rescinding a 2005 policy that had previously supported mining exploration. Bigman reflected on the community’s evolving awareness, stating, “I mean, people are now realizing that this is damaging our land, and we need to protect it.”
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