Several sources, including some brave community members, informed us that there is concern in Ely that the increased dewatering taking place at Robinson Mine is decreasing the flow of Murry Spring, Ely's water source. Evidence suggests that both dewatering and drought in the late 1980s and early 1990s have contributed to the decreased flow at the springs. However, because the current period is not as dry as the early 1990s, dewatering seems to be the larger cause for the springs going dry, but drought has certainly affected it over the long run. So, the question that comes to mind is, what is more important: short-term employment at the mine, or securing the water that the community relies on for future generations?

Murry Spring in the foreground.  For being a spring, one would expect the grass to more green.  Perhaps, this is indicative of the spring drying up.

Murry Creek located down gradient of Murry Spring.

Those within the community that share and bravely voice this concern have been threatened and insulted by those with pro-mining interests. However, a main difference between these two groups of people is that the ones that want to protect the springs have either lived in Ely for many years or plan on doing so. In contrast, those that are defending the mine do not plan on establishing permanent roots and are mainly interested in living in Ely for the short term for employment. Again, what is more important?

The town of Ruth located at the base of one of Robinson's tailings pile.

GBRW is currently seeking an independent review on the potential impacts that the dewatering is having on Murry Spring. If an independent study is conducted, and its conclusion suggests that dewatering is in fact causing the spring to dry up, we will take any necessary action within our limits to assist in protecting Ely's source of water. Please share with us any concerns or knowledge that you may have pertaining to this issue, and continue to follow our progress in protecting Ely's water.

In the News:

The Ely Times article: "Is Ely's primary source of water drying up?"

Las Vegas Review-Journal: "Mine could evacuate Ely's water supply".