Tribes celebrate closing of White Vulcan Mine

"If a church was desecrated in American society, there would be a great uproar against the people who did it. Not only a big uproar, they would rebuild the church to the same beauty." Chairman Vincent Randall of the Yavapai Apache Nation views the great maw of the White Vulcan Mine which, according to an agreement between Ed Morgan and the federal government, will be closed down in six months.

"That’s what’s happened here. A sacred place has been destroyed. And with the beginning here, covering the scars that have been left, the Almighty is blessing us with His thunder and lightning," Randall said, gesturing to the low-hanging storm clouds threatening the ceremony.

"This is a great day," Tom Chabin declared as he stood among representatives from many of the tribes of the region, activist groups, the federal government, and local communities. Fellow County Supervisor Louise Yellowman beamed happily nearby. "I think the Holy People are really happy," she said, also indicating the clouds. Chairman Wayne Taylor of the Hopi Tribe, Chairman Rex Toulousi of the Havasupai Tribe and Navajo representatives from Northern Arizona University also made their rounds before the signing of an historic document which lays out the terms of the closure of the White Vulcan Mine, located 12 miles north of Flagstaff.

Despite his efforts to bring an end to pumice mining on the Sacred San Francisco Peaks, Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt was unable to attend the ceremony which opened with a traditional prayer at the edge of the chasm of the mine, which has been the focus of a decade-long debate.

Babbitt visited the mine on April 25th of this year, which he declared "a sacrilege," and announced his intent, in his last year in office, to close the mine down. Mediation between the Morgan family and the federal government forged the agreement which was signed on August 28. "I am pleased that this mine is being shut down," Babbitt said in a press release. "The mine is on land which is sacred to 13 Native American tribes, and the operation of this mine has scarred the San Francisco Peaks."

In exchange for 1 million dollars, the Morgan family has agreed to the closure of the 90-acre Tufflite mine claim within the next six months as well as relinquishing 49 additional claims encompassing 320 acres on the mountain.

Chabin spoke of the beauty of a situation that honored the values and beliefs of so many different cultures and communities. "In the presence of everyone here, I want to acknowledge the leadership and tenacity shown to protect the wilderness areas across the nation," Undersecretary of the Interior Jim Lyons said. The victory achieved at the Tufflite mining claim is an example of many other struggles to protect land for future generations—with a difference. "It’s not every day that tribes, environmentalists, citizens, and miners can agree." Mark Squillace, Special Assistant to Soliciter of the Secretary of the Interior spoke of his frustrations surrounding the 1872 General Mining Law, signed by President Ulysses S. Grant. The 1872 Mining Law allows mining on public lands, and was passed in an era when precious minerals were needed by the government. For as little as $2.50 an acre, claims can be struck by individuals who can prove the existence of marketable, uncommon materials such as silver or gold. A court battle which ensued for fifteen years determined that pumice is indeed an uncommon mineral.

But the law, which was written in a time when mining was done with pick and shovel, is now considered by many, including Squillace, as dangerously outdated. Modern procedures, including the strip-mining represented at the White Vulcan, have the ability to completely destroy the natural beauty of the site, as well as completely depleting resources—or removing entire natural features such as cinder cones. A case in point is Sheep Hill near the Safeway complex at Route 89. "We need to recognize that this law is outdated and see to its general reform," Squillace said.

Squillace, who voiced his disappointment that Babbitt could not be on hand to view the victory he worked hard towards come to fruition, said that without the participation of the various tribes, he might have thrown his hands up in defeat. "The tribes were the fuel to make this happen. There were times when I thought it was just too hard," he said. "I view this as a successful community effort. It wasn’t just the local activists who made this happen."

One such activist group, The Sierra Club, has been heavily involved in the struggle for two years. Through the efforts of individuals like Andrew Bessler, Sharon Gailbraithe and Kelvin Long, the group’s Save the Peaks Campaign helped keep the issue at the forefront of people across the country—forming opposition to the mine around rallies and concerts calling for the mine’s closure. "The Forest Service and Department of Interior received over 6000 written comments asking that the mine be shut down, including several pairs of stonewashed jeans petitions," according to a Sierra Club press release.

Sammy M. James, Navajo activist and Sierra Club member said, "I am happy now, but I will feel better when everything is signed, sealed and delivered as promised." James, who helped collect many of the 6,000 written comments sent to the Forest Service and Babbitt, was thankful for Babbitt’s help.

Long reflected on the results of the Save the Peaks campaign. "With good thoughts and unity, voices can be heard. I would like to see the indigenous people of the Americas stand up for their religious freedom and cultural identity against desecration of sacred lands like the White Vulcan Pumice Mine."

There are other ways to protect the Sacred Peaks from further desecration. Jim Golden of the Forest Service recommended to Secretary Babbitt a 74,000-acre mineral withdrawal around the Peaks, which would prevent any new mining claims for 20 years. It has also nominated the Peaks as a Traditional Cultural Property to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Many involved in the ceremony on the 28th recognized and thanked the Morgan family for their willingness to work out this situation—for under the provisions of the 1872 General Mining Law, the existence of the Tufflite operation is completely legal and within their rights as citizens. Morgan has certainly made concessions—originally he had stated that he would abandon the claim for $10 million.

And though it is true that the Tufflite mining operation has produced pumice, a mineral best known for its use in production of stone-washed jeans, Tufflite representatives have often pointed out that the mineral is used in far more important industries, including the lightweight yet durable redimix and block used in apartment complexes and homes, as well as horitcultural purposes. Morgan and other mine workers have also been involved in restoration efforts on their own part, which they feel have gone completely unrecognized.

"The agreement isn’t perfect,"more than one person admitted. For example, the tribes had asked that stockpiled pumice be returned to the earth as part of the reclamation effort, which didn’t happen. Tufflite will be allowed to sell the valuable mineral over a period of ten years. Nonetheless, everyone interviewed considered the agreement a resounding victory.

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