Say no to cyanide in Leadville and Lake County

The proposed use of sodium cyanide by an inexperienced out-of-town company in its application to reopen the Leadville Mill is a cause for great concern for our community. Although claiming to follow the processes and guidance of a national mining industry consortium, there is no indication that CJK has direct experience with the use of cyanide or certifications in place.  Their current cyanide risk management plan is an empty shell. Given the hazard that cyanide poses to people and the environment, allowing an unproven company to use cyanide is just asking for an accident to occur. In reality, the use of cyanide carries significant risks and accidents do occur:

1. A 52,000-gallon cyanide accident in Montana;

2. A Colorado mining accident contaminating 17 miles of the Alamosa River;

3. A central Asian truck accident that poisoned 2,600 people; and

4. A cyanide-laden tailing spill, causing significant impact on wildlife in eastern Europe.

By its very nature, cyanide poses a threat to our water sources here in Leadville and Lake County. The chemical complexes formed with, for example, iron or lead, will be stable, long-lasting and highly likely to reach the underlying aquifer over time. Realistically, the only way to truly eliminate the risk of groundwater contamination from cyanide is to not use cyanide in ore processing, particularly near residential areas. It is important to note that there are now only two mining operations in Colorado that use cyanide in their mills, and neither is close to residential property. The CJK mill closely borders residential property.  

Now is the time to act. The Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety (DRMS) is now reviewing the CJK application and is seeking citizen input. These inputs need to be submitted before April 3. To help, a local group has put together a toolkit, found at www.cc4lc.org. This website details how and where to submit an objection to the CJK application. Say “No” to cyanide in Leadville and Lake County. Send an objection to DRMS today.

Bradford Smith 

Leadville