The Nez Perce Tribe of Idaho has filed a lawsuit against three US federal agencies to stop Midas Gold’s Golden Meadows exploration project, citing non-compliance of federal environmental laws.
According to the lawsuit filed in US District Court, the US Forest Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Marine Fisheries Service have failed to conduct in-depth environmental assessments before permitting Midas Gold a three-year exploration grant.
Additionally, the tribe pointed out that the project violates the 1855 treaty, under which they have the rights for fishing, hunting, and other rights on those lands.
The Nez tribe are also worried of the proposed 43,800 one-way vehicle trips, which could affect the streams containing endangered species of fish.
The lawsuit therefore claims that the National Environmental Protection Act has failed to evaluate the impact of project on the environment.
Midas Gold is planning to drill about 178 exploratory holes in 26 areas, with an aim to create three open pit gold mines.