The Problem We're Solving
America's Abandoned Mine Crisis
Over 1,500 documented gold and silver mining sites across Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama sit abandoned and contaminated.
- Mercury Contamination: All sites loaded with mercury from historical amalgamation processes (1800s-1930s)
- Additional Toxins: Many sites contain cyanide, arsenic, and other heavy metals
- Environmental Impact: 100+ years of leaching into groundwater and streams
- Public Safety: Many sites near residential areas, schools, and drinking water sources
- Taxpayer Burden: $70 billion+ estimated cleanup cost nationwide
"Virginia alone has 447 documented plus approximately 500 undocumented abandoned mines - all loaded with mercury." — Virginia State Geologist
Why Government Approaches Fail
Federal agencies give states millions for mine reclamation. The money goes to coal mine sites—very rural, few people affected. Gold and silver mercury sites are ignored, even though they're near MORE homes, MORE residents, MORE development.
Standard approach: Fill pits, cover shafts, mark "reclaimed" on paper. The mercury contamination? Still there. Marked "reclaimed" while environmental hazards persist.
Typical abandoned site with 100+ years of mercury contamination