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Some Larimer Co. Residents Don't Want Diamond Mine

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Sep 14, 2008 3:38 pm US/Mountain

Some Larimer Co. Residents Don't Want Diamond Mine

Reporting
Mike Hooker
LARIMER COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4) ― Northern Colorado could soon be home to a diamond mine. An Australian company called Diamonex has asked Larimer County for permission to do some exploratory drilling north of Red Feather Lakes.

The prospect of hosting what would be America's only commercial diamond mine doesn't have much luster to some residents of the area.

"This valley is a residential area. There are approximately 60 residents and cabins in this valley," resident Jay Stovall said. "The mine that could ensue if they find what they want is much, much worse than the original plan. They have to quote, 'bulk sample this area.'"

He dreads the noise and traffic wrecking the quiet in the valley, so Stovall and his wife are organizing the opposition, collecting signatures and reams of information.

"I'm in contact with about 100 people every day, emailing them updates on what's going on," resident Lori Drew said.

In the plan filed with Larimer County, Diamonex proposes starting by digging 10 trenches, 65 feet long and up to 40 feet deep. They'd set up a processing plant and possibly dig more trenches and drill sample holes on the 24-acre site. The county identified noise, air quality and water quality and possible areas of concern as the application moves forward.

"My number one worry is the water," Drew said.

Drew says she's also worried about trucks tearing up the roads.

"We understand that they have the right to come in and check for minerals, but we just want to make sure that our way of life isn't disrupted," she said.

A diamond mine at nearby Kelsey Lake was very productive for six years. It closed in 2002.

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