Nov 18, 2008 10:25 pm US/Pacific
Grass Valley Gold Mine May Reopen
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) ―
A city in the foothills wants to create jobs by reopening a gold mine, but environmental advocates say the price for those jobs could be too high.
The Idaho-Maryland mine in Grass Valley operated from 1862 to 1956 and produced about 2.4 million ounces of gold. Engineer David Watkinson from the Idaho-Maryland Mining Corporation believes up to five million more ounces of gold is waiting to be dug up at the historic mine.
Back when it was open, "this mine would have employed probably 1,000 people," David said. If it reopened, it would bring some of those jobs back.
"Directly, it means 400 permanent jobs, potentially 350 construction jobs," he said.
Environmentalist Marina Bernheimer points to the closed-off creek running through the city's memorial park as a reminder of the toxic history left by the gold rush.
"Our community is still battling the toxic legacy that mining brought here," she said.
Bernheimer argues this latest quest for gold will further damage air and water quality. "We will knowingly expose children and other vulnerable populations to toxic air," she said.
For others, the promise of yesterday's boom trumps everything.
"It brings jobs and in the economy we need jobs," said Grass Valley resident David McClanahan. "No matter what."
City officials are still reviewing the environmental impact of the mine. Councilmembers are expected to make the final decision sometime next year.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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