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MONDAY, JULY 28, 2003

Zuni Pueblo has gained some strong allies in its fight against a coal mine that several Southwestern tribes say will damage a sacred lake.

The tribe believes the 18,000-acre coal mine will drain water from Zuni Salt Lake, a central part of tribal religion. Salt River Project, an Arizona utility company, contends that the development won't hurt the lake.

Environmental groups have called on the Department of Interior to revoke its approval of the project. Most of New Mexico's Congressional has asked the department to halt work pending further study.

Get the Story:
Lake Sacred to Zuni Pueblo Threatened by Proposed Mine (The Albuquerque Journal 7/27)

From the National Trust for Historic Preservation Most Endangered List:
Zuni Salt Lake and Sanctuary Zone (May 2003)

Related Stories:
Campaign to protect sacred lake in N.M. ramps up (07/02)
Zuni Pueblo seeking to rebury remains (06/26)
List highlights threats to sacred and historic sites (05/30)
Zuni Pueblo continues fight against mine (05/16)
BIA hydrologist to investigate mine near sacred lake (04/28)
Zuni Pueblo pushes Norton to reject mine (02/14)
Zuni Pueblo takes mine fight on the road (07/17)
N.M. tribe challenges coal mine approval (6/3)
Zuni Pueblo waits on mine (5/3)
Zuni Pueblo teams up to fight mine (12/3)
Mine near N.M. sacred lake supported (11/14)
No decision made on Zuni mine (10/25)
Group: Norton to approve Zuni mine (10/24)
Bingaman writes Norton about mining near Zuni lake (10/4)
Mine near sacred lake raises concern (9/18)
Zuni Pueblo fighting mine approval (8/29)
Mine developer hopes for approval (6/26)
Pueblo promises lawsuit against mine (6/25)
Mine near sacred lake debated (6/22)
Zuni Pueblo battling coal mine (6/11)