Dear friends on AstroBin,
One of the few remaining dark sky areas in the United States has recently come under threat from an international mining corporation, and the astrophotography community deserves to know about this so voices can be raised in opposition.
Recently, Almadex America Inc., a subsidiary of Canadian-owned mining company Almadex Minerals, filed at least 132 mining claims in the Antelope Pass area of Hidalgo County, New Mexico – in the heart of astronomy country, directly adjacent to Dark Sky New Mexico remote observatories and just around the corner from Astronomy Acres Remote Observatories, Deep Space Products Remote, the Arizona Sky Village, the Chiricahua Astronomy Complex, and other astronomy operations hosting hundreds of remote telescope systems for clients across the globe. It is also within sight of Chiricahua National Monument, a spectacular hidden gem in the U.S. park system that has recently been considered for promotion to National Park status. Increased light pollution, industrial activity, and dust from mining could permanently damage one of the darkest night sky regions in the continental United States and threaten a nationally important astronomical area.
Located just north of NM Highway 9 in the Peloncillo Mountains west of Animas, Antelope Pass is home to the Antelope Pass Research Natural Area (RNA), a Special Management Area designated specifically to protect exceptional biological and scientific values. Beyond its ecological and scientific significance, Antelope Pass is cherished by birders, hikers, and hunters alike from both near and far. The area also contains numerous prehistoric sites that deserve protection and respect. And the dust, noise, increased traffic, and light pollution from mining would be catastrophic to the quiet rural character of southwestern Hidalgo County and neighboring Cochise County in Arizona, permanently altering this unique region.
Please consider signing a petition to protect Antelope Pass and our precious dark skies from destructive mining activity. For those who are interested and want to get involved, additional information including maps and the petition can be found at New Mexico Wild: https://nmwild.org/get-involved/sign-a-petition/keep-mining-out-of-antelope-pass/
Thank you for considering,
Brandon
Rodeo, NM