The Threat

The Pecos Valley, which contains the Tererro remediation site, is an area that is being targeted for exploratory mining operations. This area is still recovering from irresponsible mining operations that contaminated the river in the 1990's causing over 90,000 fish to be killed and millions of dollars spent by the state for cleanup.

Even early stages of exploratory drilling could contaminate the Pecos River and other streams nearby.

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Source:  nmwild.org

NWC

Company Project Details

Tererro Copper-Gold-Zinc VMS Project, New Mexico, USA

On 9 April 2019 New World Resources Ltd, through Colorado subsidiary, Mexico LLC announced it had acquired the Tererro Copper-Gold-Zinc VMS Project in New Mexico. The Jones Hill Deposit is a middle-Proterozoic-aged volcanogenic massive sulphide (“VMS”) deposit located 8km south-west of the historical Pecos Mine.

The Company has entered into agreements providing it with the right to acquire a 100% interest in 20 Federal mining claims covering 400 acres and has also staked new Federal mining claims covering 4,300 acres that encompass multiple under-explored VMS prospects immediately along strike from the Jones Hill Deposit

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Impacts

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Acres

Of exploratory drilling impact

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Acres

Total claims area

Past consequences of Mining in the area
“In March of that year (1991), spring snowmelt carried contaminants into the Pecos River, killing 90,000 fish. Two campsites where mine waste was used in construction were closed due to contamination and the number of Pecos area visitors dropped off significantly, hurting the local economy.” SOURCE: sic.org
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The white and brown precipitates and froths consist of iron, copper and zinc sulfates, iron and aluminum oxides and hydroxides.
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Before Cleanup
El Molino Mills Tailings
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After Cleanup
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BeforeCLEANUP
Tererro Mine Waste Piles
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After Cleanup
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Permitting Info & Timeline

Comexico's proposed mining activities cannot begin without approval from the federal, state, and local government.

Federal

Read the documents associated with Comexico’s federal application here.

  • In 2019, Comexico submitted a proposed plan of operations and sought approval for exploratory drilling in the Santa Fe National Forest. 
  • In 2019-2020, the Forest Service put the proposal out for scoping, a public comment period, and a public meeting. 
  • Based on public input, the Forest Service decided to prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) to evaluate the impacts of the project. 
  • In 2022, issuance of the EA was delayed by the Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon fires and post-fire recovery efforts.    
  • Multiple organizations have requested that the Forest Service provide a 60-day public comment period and a public meeting on the draft EA, once issued. It is unclear whether the Forest Service will grant these requests for meaningful public participation.
  • Although the Forest Service cannot deny an application to conduct mineral exploration that meets basic legal requirements, the Forest Service must place necessary conditions on the project to protect natural and cultural resources.

State

Read the documents associated with Comexico’s state application here.

  • In 2019, Comexico applied for an exploratory drilling permit with the Mining and Minerals Division (MMD) of the N.M. Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department.
  • Before making a decision on the permit application, MMD must determine whether Comexico has obtained the required approval from the Forest Service and has met the requirements in the New Mexico Mining Act.
  • MMD has granted a request to conduct a formal public hearing before making a decision. MMD has not yet issued the public notice announcing the date, time, and location for the hearing. 
  • If a permit is granted, MMD must place conditions on the permit to ensure compliance with state law, including the requirement to provide sufficient financial assurance to remediate the lands disturbed by the exploration activities. 
  • Public comments on the project may be submitted to MMD vial email at any time: EMNRD.MMD2@emnrd.nm.gov

Santa Fe County

  • Both Santa Fe County and San Miguel County have ordinances that require a conditional use permit for hardrock mining activity within the county. View the ordinances here and here.
  • Although the current exploration proposal is located fully within Santa Fe County, some of Comexico’s additional claims are located within San Miguel County. 
  • Before issuing a conditional use permit for exploratory drilling, Santa Fe County will require Comexico to submit an application to the county commission and will conduct a public hearing. 
  • Santa Fe County will not grant a conditional use permit unless Comexico has obtained required federal and state permits and provided sufficient financial assurance.

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