Cripple Creek & Victor Mining Co. sailed through the approval process to extend mining operations from 2016 to approximately 2025.
Unlike the application process in 2008 to extend mining through 2016, there were no public protests at the Teller County commissioners’ meeting Sept. 13.
Anticipating at least some public protests, commission chair Jim Ignatius established the ground rules before proceeding with the presentations and recommendations.
“Land-use issues tend to be emotional; there are strong feelings on both sides,” he said. “We’re all not going to agree on the outcome of today’s hearings I would ask that all parties be respectful. Blatant misstatements, outbursts or threats will not be tolerated.”
However, the only public comments were positive, from Buck Hakes and Bruce Brown, the mayors of Victor and Cripple Creek, respectively. Both men pointed to the economic benefit to their towns due to the mine’s expansion.
Ignatius did acknowledge the numerous protests, in letters and phone calls over the past six months. “This board has not responded to comments regarding this process because it’s against state statute to be prejudiced by comments after an application has been accepted by the county,” Ignatius said.
The extension increases the permit boundary by about 127 acres, resulting in 5,990 acres for the for the total permit area, which includes the 15.4 acres of the current Carlton Tunnel area.
In approving the application for extension, commissioners Ignatius, Bill Buckhanan and Dave Paul found that CC&V had met all the standards set forth in the county’s land-use regulations.
In a time when Teller County’s unemployment rate is 7.5 percent, the MLE offers job opportunities.
According to Jane Mannon, CC & V’s manager of community affairs, the extension will add 150 jobs, with additional contractors on site for five years. Currently, currently, the mine employs 492.
As well, the mine estimates that the mill will process 2 million tons of ore annually. As of Sept. 13, the price of gold was $1,600 an ounce.
After the meeting, commissioner Paul commented, “I think the down economy had something to do with the lack of protests. We need jobs,” he said.
The commissioners approved the application, Paul said, because the mine met all the land-use regulations.
The mine’s general manager, Ray DuBois, stepped up to the podium at the end of the lengthy proceedings. “I just want to thank the public, either the government, or general public itself, for the support,” he said.