How was the Gold King Mine spill cleaned up?

The EPA is currently compiling a cleanup plan for each mine. The agency also built a temporary water treatment plant near the Gold King. It removes arsenic, lead, and other heavy metals from mine discharge.

Who caused the Gold King Mine Spill?

The Gold King disaster was caused by a contract EPA crew that was checking out the mine for future cleanup work. As they used heavy machinery to peel back a layer of rock and dirt covering the opening — or adit — orange-colored water began spilling out. And then it began gushing out.

How many uranium mines are on the Navajo Nation?

There are over 500 abandoned uranium mines on Navajo Nation. This page provides information about contamination from the mines and how it is being addressed.

Where is Bonita Peak Mining District?

Background. The Bonita Peak Mining District site consists of 48 historic mines or mining-related sources where ongoing releases of metal-laden water and sediments are occurring within the Mineral Creek, Cement Creek and Upper Animas River drainages in San Juan County, Colorado.

Why did uranium mining stop?

The federal government purchased the ore to make atomic weapons. As the Cold War threat petered out the companies left, abandoning more than 500 mines.

How long does it take to mine uranium?

Opening a uranium mine requires significant capital investment and is a long process that often involves 10 to 15 years of lag time before the mine begins operation.

How far did the Gold King Mine Spill go?

2015 Gold King Mine waste water spill

The Animas River between Silverton and Durango within 24 hours of the spill. The river turned yellow from the oxidation of dissolved iron in the escaped waste water.
Date	August 5, 2015
Waterways affected	Animas and San Juan rivers
States affected	Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah

Did Native Americans work in mines?

Uranium mining occurred mostly in the southwestern United States and drew many Native Americans and others into work in the mines and mills.