Groups unite to stop what could be one of the largest open-pit mines in the world

The Canadian mining company Mosquito Gold is proposing what could be among the largests open-pit mines on earth right on the headwaters of the Boise River - drinking and irrigation water for Idaho's moist populous area and home to wildlife such as great grey owls and northern goshawks.

"Idaho has enough mining pollution.  We are appealing the project because of the negative impacts to ground and surface water, birds, wildlife, and other resources," said Pam Conley, President of the Golden Eagle Audubon Society.

Acting on behalf of Sierra Club, Idaho Rivers United, Idaho Conservation League, and the Golden Eagle Audubon Society, Advoactes for the West filed an appeal to the Forest Service, asking them to reconsider the permit that they issued to Mosquito Gold to expand exploration, creating new roads, crossing streams, constructin hundreds and drill pads and drill holes, all on public land.

"Mining is the number one toxic pollutor in the U.S.  We are sending a clear message that Mosquito Gold won't find it easy to do anything that might put Idaho's clean water at risk," said John Robison, Public Lands Director for the Idaho Conservation League.