Quechan Tribe opposes gold mining exploration in Imperial County

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) - The Imperial County Planning Commission is set to take another look at the proposed "Rainbow East" gold mining exploration project after opposition from the Quechan Tribe.

Tribal members, environmentalists, and residents from Imperial County and Yuma voiced their concerns during a Planning Commission meeting Wednesday.

Tribal members said that potential gold mining exploration impacts their native land.

The project is relying on an environmental review from outdated data.

"This project threatens significant tribal cultural resources, and the environmental review has not adequately addressed those impacts," Quechan Tribal President Jonathan Koteen said.

"Federal government to government consultation between the Quechan tribe and the Bureau of Land Management's El Centro field office remains ongoing," he explained.

Organizations like Earthworks say this project threatens desert wildlife.

The Planning Commission is set to meet again on December 9 after more communication can take place between tribal leaders and the Mesquite Gold Mine.