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Sierra Club Lawsuits

No More Mining at Zuni Salt Lake

Case Updates:

October 1, 2003

The Zuni Salt Lake Coalition (ZSLC) celebrated in 2003 news that the SRP mining company was canceling its plans to strip mine in western New Mexico. The proposed 18,000 Fence Lake Coal mine threatened the sacred Zuni Salt Lake, which is home to Salt Woman, a central deity to the Zuni People. The Sierra Club, a founding member of the ZSLC, helped to bring environmental justice to the tribes of the Southwest and stopped a dirty coal mine. As SC activist Andy Bessler described, “this victory is testament to the spirit of the Zuni people, other Native American tribes, and non-Native supporters who would not relinquish Salt Woman in the name of cheap coal.” This victory marks the end of a two-year ZSLC campaign and a 20-year Zuni struggle.

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