Seventy-two mining claims already filed on lands cut from Bears Ears

Mining rush follows Trump administration’s decision to gut protections for Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments 

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In just two weeks since the mining ban was lifted from the original boundaries of Bears Ears National Monument, 72 new mining claims have been filed. That’s more than three-times the total number of claims filed between 2018 and 2021, the last time the president tried to shrink the monument.  

This rush to stake mining claims shows how quickly President Trump’s decision to slash protections for Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante can lead to destructive impacts on the ground — putting cultural, geological, natural and recreational resources at risk.  

In response to the news, Charlie Luke, The Wilderness Society Utah state director, said: 

“The sheer volume of mining claims filed so far in the land cut from Bears Ears National Monument should dispel any lingering illusion about the administration’s true aim. The president and the Utah delegation, led by Senator. Lee, would sacrifice irreplaceable cultural resources, wildlife habitat, clean air and water, and our freedom to experience this magnificent place for the short-term profit of a few. We owe future generations a Bears Ears that remains healthy, intact and conserved.”  

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In 2017, during his first term, President Trump shrunk Bears Ears National Monuments by 85%. Between 2018 and 2021, only 20 mining claims were filed within the original monument boundaries. The more-than-threefold increase in mining claims represents a drastic escalation of attempts to hand over our public lands to special interests.  

For media inquiries, contact Keri Gilliland at kgilliland@tws.org or 303-386-2243.