Confronting Irresponsible Mines

There is no place like Greater Yellowstone.

The region’s jagged peaks, clear waters, and rich wildlife habitat were shaped by dynamic forces that continue to effect change on the landscape. The unique geology and ecology of Yellowstone sustain iconic wildlife and draw visitors from across the world.

The same forces that created Yellowstone’s remarkable landscape also formed pockets of ore that continue to draw the attention of mining companies looking to profit from their extraction. Mineral extraction may be a necessity for modern life, but not all mines are suited for all environments. Destructive mining operations displace wildlife, threaten the health of clean rivers, and leave permanent scars on the landscape. As long as opportunities exist for miners to profit from the ecosystem’s mineral resources, a threat will loom over the clean water, undeveloped lands, and wildlife of Greater Yellowstone.

The Greater Yellowstone Coalition uses a wide range of tools to fight irresponsible mines. From successfully advocating for large-scale mineral withdrawals, to pursuing legal and administrative barriers, to working with willing sellers to purchase land and mineral rights for eventual conversion into protected public land, we do what it takes to protect this ecosystem from the irreparable harm caused by irresponsible industrial mining. Our mine-fighting work is GYC at our most dogged, creative, and committed.