Environmentalists lose bid to halt mine near Grand Canyon

TUSAYAN, Ariz. (AP) – Environmentalists have lost a bid to halt a uranium mine south of the Grand Canyon while they appeal a ruling in the case.

A coalition of conservation groups had asked U.S. District Judge David Campbell in Phoenix for an injunction on the Canyon Mine, about six miles from the national park’s South Rim entrance. He denied the request this week, saying the harms alleged by the group do not outweigh those of the mining company.

The U.S. Forest Service approved a plan of operation for the Canyon Mine in 1986.

Conservationists and the Havasupai Tribe had argued that the Forest Service violated federal law and didn’t adequately consult with the tribe over a sacred site.

Campbell rejected those claims in an April 7 ruling. An appeal followed.