Laserfiche WebLink
Comment/Objection Narrative* <br /> To whom it may concern: <br /> The intent of this letter is to provide support for the Zephyr Gold USA Ltd application submitted to CO DRMS to <br /> develop an underground gold mine in Fremont County. I will focus on the projected economic impact of the <br /> development but will also touch on the environmental aspects. I am the Director of Business Development for <br /> the San Luis Valley Development Resources Group. It is our job to identify,target and support projects that <br /> generate primary economic activity in the region.The Zephyr Gold project is a perfect example of the type of <br /> industry Colorado should be targeting. <br /> The economic impact of the Zephyr Gold project cannot be overstated. In short,the impact is monumental.The <br /> goal of every community is to generate primary economic activity or to develop and draw businesses that bring <br /> in money from outside the area and inject it into the community. Manufacturing is a prime example of this where <br /> a good is produced in one area and then sold in another so the money generated from the sale ends up back in <br /> the originating community.Zephyr and the gold they wish to extract provide an estimated annual economic <br /> impact of approximately$18m. I would like to highlight the fact this is annual and year-round, not seasonal. <br /> Much of the economic activity in Fremont County occurs during the summer months.The underground mine <br /> would operate year-round and offer jobs that pay well above the county average.To demonstrate this impact, <br /> look at the fact Fremont County has always been designated as a Colorado Enterprise Zone. If you are <br /> unaware,enterprise zone are areas of the state that are defined as"economically distressed"based on factors <br /> such as the unemployment rate and income per capita. Not only is Fremont County designated as an enterprise <br /> zone,they are classified as an enhanced enterprise zone,which means Fremont is one of the most distressed <br /> communities in the state. Furthermore,the economic impact is likely to continue well beyond this 5-year period. <br /> Zephyr has only found a small portion of what they believe to be a much larger deposit. If the deposit ends up <br /> being as large as Zephyr expect then the length of the economic impact is unknown, it could be decades. <br /> Earlier in 2021, President Biden signed the"Executive Order on America's Supply Chains".This order aimed to <br /> strengthen the supply chains for manufacturers in America. Immediately,this brings the technology and <br /> electronic device sectors to the top of mind. In today's world,every adult is essentially required to have a <br /> handheld personal electronic device.We started using them to communicate but now we manage most of our <br /> everyday life from them by doing our banking and ordering food. I think it is lost on many that these devices <br /> require materials that are extracted from the earth.This project provides an opportunity to strengthen essential <br /> supply chains in North America. <br /> Lastly,opponents of this project like to target the environmental impact of mining as a reason to reject this <br /> project.As CO DRMS knows, mining practices have drastically changed over the last 40 years.There are strict <br /> requirements for reclamation and mine operations. I am not the professional on these matters but I know <br /> enough to understand that this operation is underground,and provides minimal disturbance to the natural area. <br /> Waterways are not impacted.There are no above ground disturbances.Of course mining has an impact,but <br /> Zephyr has developed sufficient processes to be in compliance with environmental regulations. <br /> To me, it is clear that the benefits of this project far outweigh any potential risk. <br /> Permit Number* <br /> Enter valid letter and then numbers,for example M122112211 or C123456789. <br /> M2021046 <br /> Permitting Action Type <br /> Select revision type or leave blank if comment pertains to a new permit application or NOI <br /> Permit Type <br /> County <br /> Fremont <br /> Enter one county only <br /> Site Name <br /> Dawnson <br /> Perm ittee/Operator Name <br /> Zephyr Gold USA <br /> ADDITIONAL INFORMATION <br />