Mining operations near Church Rock send water into Rio Puerco on Navajo land
What happened
Mining operations are currently underway at Church Rock, sending water into the Rio Puerco on Navajo land. The area, which is part of the Grants Mineral Belt, historically provided nearly half the uranium used by the United States. The Rio Puerco is a river in New Mexico that runs through this region.
From csmonitor.com
Why it matters
The search for uranium beneath Navajo land in New Mexico brings back memories of a mine spill that occurred decades ago. The mineral beneath the land is sought after because America needs uranium for its nuclear reactors. This situation involves resource extraction and historical contamination liability on Navajo land.
A proposed mine is located in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico, where historical uranium mining took place on the Navajo Nation reservation.
From csmonitor.com
Who's involved
- NavajoNavajo-associated mines supply water into the Rio Puerco.
- Rio PuercoThe river receives water from Navajo-associated mines.
- Church RockSite of current mining operations sending water into the Rio Puerco.
- Navajo NationThe Indian reservation where the mineral lies beneath the land.
- New MexicoState providing the geographical context and regulatory framework.
- Kerr-McGeeCompany linked to the location where historical data is relevant.
Keep exploring
The entities involved
-
Navajo
human settlement in Arizona, United States of America
-
Rio Puerco
river in New Mexico, United States