CORONA, N.M. — A major environmental cleanup project is scheduled to begin next week at seven abandoned mine sites in the Gallinas Mountains near Corona, as federal officials work to address decades-old contamination and safety hazards left behind by historic mining operations.
The U.S. Forest Service announced that construction crews will begin remediation work the week of October 5 in the Gallinas Mining District on the Mountainair Ranger District of the Cibola National Forest.
The project focuses on seven abandoned mines: the Rio Tinto Mine, Conqueror 10 Mine, Conqueror 9 Mine, Conqueror Apex Mine, Big Ben Mine, Sky High Mine, and Pride 2 Mine.
According to forest officials, mining activity in the area dates back to 1881 and continued intermittently through 2012. Operations produced materials including fluorspar, bastnaesite, iron, copper, lead, zinc and silver. Over time, mine waste spread into the surrounding environment, affecting nearby watersheds and creating potential risks to wildlife and public health.
Crews will:
- Consolidate mine waste into a specially engineered containment site
- Close a deep mine shaft at the Rio Tinto Mine that officials say poses a safety hazard
- Replant vegetation across disturbed areas
- Install erosion-control measures to improve long-term site stability
The work is part of a broader effort to reduce environmental impacts from abandoned mines on public lands.
Residents and visitors should expect increased construction activity in the area during the coming months.
Heavy equipment will be operating near Red Cloud Campground and along several forest roads, including:
- NFSR 99
- NFSR 161
- NFSR 161G
The Forest Service expects the project to continue through January 2027, weather permitting.
Officials say the cleanup is designed to improve environmental conditions while reducing long-term safety risks associated with the abandoned mining sites.
