The Patagonia Mountains in Arizona, a hotspot for sensitive, threatened, and endangered species, are in danger of abuse by extractive industries including senior Australian mining company South32 and junior Canadian mining company Barksdale Resources.
(Click the links above to learn about our concerns with these companies.)
Leading up to the 2020 election, we will be unpacking the myths these industries want you to believe and what you can do to defend this biologically diverse region from destruction. Follow us on Instagram or Twitter or Facebook for daily posts breaking down the myths and uncovering the facts.
Once you know the myths, take action! Here are ten ways you can help defend the Patagonia Mountains through the election season and beyond.
EDUCATE
#1. EDUCATE YOURSELF ABOUT HARDROCK MINING!
Remember that “knowledge is power,” and in this case it is the power to teach others about the dangers of mining to our community and the power to oppose the dangerous mining plans and practices that affect local water and wildlife. Here are some good readings to start with:
- A Justice Transition is a Post-Extractive Transition
- Comparison of Predicted and Actual Water Quality at Hardrock Mines
- Power, Profit, and Pollution: The Persistence of Environmental Injustice in a Company Town
- Lifecycle of Our Electronic Gadgets and the True Cost to Earth
#2. LEARN MORE ABOUT THE LAWS GOVERNING MINING!
Arizona is considered the 9th-friendliest mining district in the world. It’s important to understand the policies that create such a conducive environment for mining, against the backdrop of such beautiful but vulnerable biodiversity.
- The General Mining Law of 1872
- Earthworks Fact Sheet: Hardrock Mining and Reclamation Act of 2009
- America Gives Away Billions Worth in Hardrock Minerals
#3. LEARN HOW TO RESIST MINING IN YOUR COMMUNITY!
Change is possible, and resistance works! Read the guide: Protecting Your Community From Mining and Other Extractive Operations: A Guide to Resistance.
AMPLIFY
#4. RETWEET, REPOST, AND RETELL!
Share the “50 Days to Take Action: Defend the Patagonia Mountains” campaign regularly with your social networks. Share the important information from the campaign with your family, friends, and community who are not on social media. Spread awareness as far as the mountains themselves!
#5. WRITE LETTERS TO THE EDITOR OF YOUR LOCAL PAPER!
Getting a piece published in the local newspaper helps to bring wider attention to the issue. Use these three resources to learn how to write letters to the editor, and for great tips on how to increase your chances of getting your letter published.
- PARA’s Guide: Writing Letters to the Editor
- Union of Concerned Scientists: Writing an Effective Letter to the Editor
- Citizen’s Climate Lobby: Writing Effective Letters to the Editor
#6. WRITE AN OP-ED TO INFORM OTHERS AND ADVOCATE CHANGE!
Publishing an op-ed in a local or national newspaper allows you to put forward a counter-argument to other pieces that have been published. In this case, you can use the myths and facts from the “50 Days to Take Action” campaign (or informed by other credible sources) to create a counter-argument to the idea that the South32 mine will be good for the Patagonia and surrounding communities.
Use these three resources to learn how to write op-eds, and for great tips on how to increase your chances of getting your piece published.
- The Learning Agency: How to Write an Op-Ed: A Step By Step Guide
- The Op-Ed Project: Op-Ed Writing: Tips and Tricks
- Union of Concerned Scientists: Writing an Op-Ed
ACTIVATE
#7. SEND AN EMAIL TO CORONADO FOREST SERVICE!
Send an email to Coronado Forest Service Supervisor Kerwin Dewberry (kerwin.dewberry@usda.gov) and let him know that you support the Town of Patagonia’s request for a comprehensive water study in the Patagonia Mountains. How can we allow this mine to conduct business without a full study that assesses the short and long term effects on our water?
#8. EMAIL SOUTH32 DIRECTOR DEMANDING TRANSPARENCY!
Send an email to South32’s Pat Risner (pat.risner@south32.net) and let him know that you want all water reports currently in South32’s possession to be forwarded to the Town of Patagonia. Whether you live in town, or you call from afar, this action will really help amplify the importance of community and concerned citizen input!
#9. COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR LEGISLATORS!
Exercise your right to speak! Find your district here (type your address in the address search pane toward the top of the page). Then, use the easy step guidelines we’ve posted here to send an effective message to your elected officials. Consider asking your representatives to support a revision of the 1872 Mining Act. After almost 150 years of inaction, we’re overdue for a change!
SUPPORT
#10. DONATE TO PATAGONIA AREA RESOURCE ALLIANCE!
Please consider donating to Patagonia Area Resource Alliance or fundraising for our work. You can learn more about us on our About Us page.
