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The La Plata Mountains and Public Lands Coalition hosted a panel discussing the opposition to Metallic Minerals' exploratory mining project. Concerns include environmental risks, public land use, and long-term oversight.

Metallic Minerals, based in Vancouver, has claimed about 19 square miles of public land for exploration. Local critics warn of potential water contamination and ecological disturbance, drawing parallels to past mining impacts in the region. The company has identified 1.3 billion pounds of 'copper equivalent' but has yet to determine economic viability.