Cibola Citizen (Sept 30, 2026) by Diego Lopez

The Continental Divide Trail Coalition is raising concerns about the proposed Roca Honda uranium mine northwest of Grants, warning that mining can affect surrounding public lands, recreation and communities connected to national scenic trails.

The coalition issued a statement Sept. 24 identifying mining as a growing threat to scenic trails in several western states. Its New Mexico concerns center on Roca Honda, a proposed underground uranium mine near Jesus Mesa in the Mount Taylor Ranger District.

Grants is a designated Continental Divide Trail Gateway Community, connecting the trail to the area’s recreation economy and public-land identity.

“We need to view resource development holistically, considering the intersections of public lands with communities, environmental sustainability, and recreation—an important economic factor for local communities,” CDTC Executive Director Teresa Martinez said.

The coalition did not say the mine would cross the Continental Divide Trail or require a local reroute. It instead warned that mining can affect trail landscapes through industrial traffic, roads, noise, dust, altered scenery and possible access restrictions.

CDTC cited mining projects in Arizona that it says have forced sections of the Arizona National Scenic Trail to be relocated for safety or to avoid mining operations.

Roca Honda Resources LLC is proposing drilling, roads and infrastructure on National Forest land to support an underground mine and water-treatment plant on adjoining state and private property. The Forest Service places the site about three miles northwest of San Mateo and 22 road miles northwest of Grants.

According to CDTC’s summary of the company’s Mining Operations and Reclamation Plan, the overall project would last approximately 21 years, including mining, reclamation and monitoring.

Because the uranium deposit lies below the water table, groundwater would have to be pumped from the mine. CDTC said the plan calls for pumping an average of about 6.8 million gallons per day and transporting ore nearly 290 miles to a Utah mill.

The proposal comes amid continuing efforts to address historic uranium contamination. The Environmental Protection Agency says the San Mateo Creek Basin contains 85 legacy uranium mines with recorded production and four legacy mill sites that may have contributed to degraded groundwater quality.

Roca Honda is undergoing federal environmental review and remains subject to state permitting requirements. Its FAST-41 designation coordinates the federal schedule but does not eliminate environmental laws or determine whether the mine will be approved.

The Forest Service is accepting public comments through Oct. 14 on issues that should be examined in the environmental impact statement, including water, cultural resources, transportation, reclamation and recreation.

 

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