Tribal leaders and environmentalists are challenging federal approval of an exploration project for a gold mine in Northern Nevada, citing the cultural significance of the land.
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The Western Shoshone Defense Project, Great Basin Mine Watch and the Te-Moak Tribe have filed the petition recently questioning the Bureau of Land Management’s approval of Cortez Gold Mines’ plans to expand its exploration efforts on land surrounding the Cortez Hills gold discovery in the Horse Canyon area.
“I feel comfortable with our decision,” said Gail Givens, assistant field manager for nonrenewable resources for the Battle Mountain BLM office.
“It will be up to the state director to decide whether to review it,” Givens said last week.
Cultural importance
The critics say the Horse Canyon area is important to the American Indians for cultural and religious reasons.
“We are outraged,” said Te-Moak Tribal Council member Jody Abe. “Once again, the tribes have been left out of the decision making process that affects our people and our environment.
“The issue of our title as recognized by the 1863 Treaty of Ruby Valley is still intact and federal court action and other actions are ongoing. The Department of Interior and the mining companies know this and must begin taking these issues seriously,” she said.
The petition says BLM approved the expanded exploration plans despite Western Shoshone protests and recognition that the area is of cultural and religious significance. "
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