STOP the Leadville Mill
What's the deal with the Leadville Mill and Cyanide?
An out-of-town company, CJK Milling Company, LLC, proposes to reopen the Leadville Mill and use CYANIDE to process mine waste piles transported from Leadville's historic East Side mining district. They plan to double the size of a milling operation, creating 500,000 tons of waste material stored at the mill site. The Mill is adjacent to multiple residential properties and wells, the only wastewater processing facility in the county, and California Gulch drainage that flows to the Arkansas River. The proposed operation could introduce highly toxic materials, including CYANIDE, into the environment, affecting water, air, and soil quality while also causing major disruptions of traffic, sanitation, and noise. This is NOT responsible industry!
Water Quality
The potential for long-term water contamination from the newly-created waste piles or an accident at the Mill poses significant risks to the environment, economy and public health.
The lack of a robust, evidence-based, long-term plan, CJK's lack of experience handling cyanide and the potential for catastrophic failure raise serious questions about the project's safety and sustainability.
Water Consumption
CJK’s lack of clarity and potential risks associated with the project's water usage, raise serious questions about its sustainability and impact on the community.
Air and Soil
The Mill proposal could increase airborne and soil contamination due to excavating existing mine waste piles , transporting the material through our community, and processing it at the Mill site.
The piles being dug up, transported, and processed are composed of many minerals and elements that are toxic and long-lasting.
Traffic and Transportation
The high volume of heavy truck traffic between the Mill site and the east side waste pile sites will create new safety hazards, traffic congestion, air contamination, and roadway degradation.
Economy
Leadville and Lake County are now focused on the development and expansion of the outdoor recreation industry, which generates significant revenues for our local economy.
Outdoor recreation related activity and spending may be reduced because of the Mill project activities and lasting impacts.
Quality of Life
The Mill’s threats to our air, water, economy, transportation, and soil are ultimately threats to our region's health, culture, financial prosperity and quality of life now and for decades to come.