A mining company that is the target of a lawsuit for mining a sacred site has filed for federal bankruptcy protection, The Santa Fe New Mexican reports.

Picuris Pueblo, in the northern part of the state, wants Oglebay Norton to stop mining an area where tribal members go to collect clay for pottery and to medicinal plants. But the company, based in Ohio, says the bankruptcy filing won't affect its New Mexico operations.

The tribe tried to stop the state from approving an expansion of the mine but failed. The tribe claims ownership of the mine site.

Get the Story:
Controversial Mine Owner, Operator Files for Bankruptcy (The Santa Fe New Mexican 3/9)

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