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The Leadville Mill
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NEWS
January 21, 2026
from the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety
CJK submits fourth application for re-opening the Leadville Mill
Public commitment period opens January 22 to February 2. See how to submit comments here.
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What's the deal with the Leadville Mill?
What's the deal with the Leadville Mill?
An out-of-town company, CJK Milling Company, LLC, has proposed to reopen the Leadville Mill to process mine waste piles transported from Leadville's historic East Side mining district. They plan to increase the size of a milling operation, creating 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 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
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 and the potential for catastrophic failure raise serious questions about the project's safety and sustainability.
Water Consumption
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
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
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
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
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.
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