Into the Canyonlands: Hatch Point, Part 2

Looking out on Greater Canyonlands from the tip of Hatch Point is one of the most grand and majestic views in southeastern Utah.  Not allowing industrial drilling, mining, roads and processing facilities to forever scar this landscape for speculative, short-term corporate profits should be a no-brainer.  But potash* mining – with its associated large and noisy drilling rigs, heavy equipment, sludge pits, tanks, trucks, access roads and subsequent industrial processing facilities – is threatening Hatch Point.

Hatch Canyon proposed wilderness
Hatch Canyon proposed wilderness. Copyright Ray Bloxham/SUWA.

K2O Utah, LLC, owned by the Australian mining giant Potash Minerals Limited, has already drilled several exploratory wells on state lands on Hatch Point, and has now requested permission from the Bureau of Land Management to drill several more exploratory wells on federal public lands.   Before K2O’s 146-square mile project area is authorized for full development by the BLM, the agency must assess the highest and best use of this magnificent and still undeveloped landscape.

By protecting Greater Canyonlands, we can help preserve the very essence of what draws millions of visitors to this area by protecting Hatch Point from becoming fertilizer!  Visit www.greatercanyonlands.org and www.facebook.com/greatercanyonlands to take action!

*Potash is the common name for mined potassium in water-soluble form.  It is used primarily as one of the main ingredients in common varieties of fertilizer.