Canadian company announces it has ‘abandoned’ push to mine gold at New Mexico lizard, dark sky haven

Almadex's decision to drop its gold mining plans in Hidalgo County, New Mexico, marks a significant win for environmentalists and local communities who were concerned about the project's potential impact on the region's pristine landscape and dark sky preservation efforts. The company cited unspecified factors for this abrupt change, which could signal a broader trend in mining companies reconsidering projects in ecologically sensitive areas. This move not only preserves the unique dark sky haven status of the area but also sets a precedent for balancing economic development with environmental conservation.