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Atlanta Mine

Atlanta, Idaho is a small town that once saw extensive mining operations; but all commercial mining stopped by 1963 when the ore played out.  Recently, a mining company has proposed to develop a large, cyanide heap-leach mine at the Atlanta site, which is located on the Middle Fork of the Boise River -- the headwaters for Idaho's largest metropolitan area.

We represent concerned conservationists in opposing the mining company's attempt to revive historic water rights for the new mining, even though those water rights were abandoned and forfeited decades ago.  We are before a Special Master in the Snake River Basin Adjudication court, with trial set for fall 2009.

Current Status: 
Case Won
Case Title and Number: 
Snake River Basin Adjudication subcases 63-2446 et seq.
Date Filed: 
06/22/2006
Staff Attorney(s): 
Laird Lucas
Kristin Ruether
Clients: 
Idaho Conservation League

Updates

01/25/2012
Idaho Families for Clean Water

Two Mining Projects Threaten Health of Boise River

Please attend the Idaho Families for Clean Water presentation on the CuMo mineral exploration project in the Grimes Creek watershed and the Atlanta Gold exploration project in the Middle Fork Boise watershed.

January 25, 7:00pm, MK Nature Center, 600 S. Walnut Street, Boise, Idaho.

There is important information to share about both mineral exploration projects.

* Atlanta Gold Company continues to discharge arsenic-laden water to a tributary of the Middle Fork Boise River. Kristin Ruether, Advocates for the West, will report on the court action against Atlanta Gold.

* Local groups have sued the Forest Service for allowing Mosquito Gold to expand exploration activities without adequate enviornmental review. Bryan Hurlbutt, Advocates for the West, will report on the case.

* We've captured many fantastic images of the Grimes Creek watershed and the proposed site of the CuMo mega mine. Mountain Visions has created a multimedia presentation using the latest in digital technology that takes the audience right to the site.

We'll have refreshments, and there will plenty of time for questions.
11/01/2011
Kristin Ruether goes to court!

Want to see some Advocates for the West courtroom action?

You're in luck!

Kristin Ruether will be arguing a Clean Water Act case against Atlanta Gold Corp. to protect the headwaters of the Boise River from arsenic and iron pollution. We are representing Idaho Conservation League and Northwest Environmental Defense Center. Read more...

Tuesday, November 1st, at 10:30a.m. in Judge Williams Courtroom at the U.S. Courthouse, 550 W. Fort St., B