Lead Queen Mine leaking 'orange sludge'

PATAGONIA, AZ (TucsonNewsNow) -
Nearly 70 years since its closure, the Lead Queen Mine is leaking acidic and toxic sludge into the nearby environment.

During an environmental impact monitoring visit by the Patagonia Area Resource Alliance (PARA) in March, the group witnessed noticeable pools of "orange sludge" and "iced tea-colored liquid" both in front and inside the abandoned mine.

Reports from the non-profit group also note that the mouth of the mine is open, with nothing in place to prevent further leaks into the surrounding areas and waterways.

"As we watch Arizona Mining Inc. and other companies expand their industrialized mineral exploration in the Patagonia Mountains, the Lead Queen mine provides a timely example of the damage done by mining, long after the companies are gone," said Julie Olbrantz, PARA's Coordinator in a news release.

http://www.tucsonnewsnow.com/story/37967692/lead-queen-mine-leaking-orange-sludge