By the #s: More mining claims filed in New Mexico in last four years than previous century

New Mexico has seen a massive surge in mining claims over the last four years, with companies filing over 12,000 claims for minerals like gold, copper, and uranium—that's three times the total from the entire 20th century. This spike reflects a global surge in interest for New Mexico's subsurface resources, driven by rising demand for these materials. The implications are significant, as this could lead to increased economic opportunities but also environmental concerns and potential conflicts with local communities and land use priorities.