Salt Lake County Council votes to ban mining in recreation areas

SALT LAKE CITY — In a unanimous vote Tuesday, Salt Lake County Council voted to ban any mining or mineral extraction in recreation and forestry areas.

The council said it revived over 1,000 public comments in its last round, and some members said they were overwhelmed by emails from constituents opposing any mining at all. 

The area is often referred to as the Wasatch Foothills and Canyons Overlay Zone.

The vote is tied to plans announced by a land owner in Parleys Canyon saying they would file a permit to open a small mine in the area.

In a statement to KSL.com, a spokesman for the proposed mine blasted the decision and said they are “considering our next steps.”

“Active measures are necessary to protect our canyon environment and preserve recreation opportunities. Today, Salt Lake County took an active measure to prohibit future mining in the Wasatch range,” said Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson in a statement. “The amendment supported by the County Council today seeks to eliminate mining and mineral extraction in the Wasatch Canyons. Salt Lake County understands the need to preserve our Wasatch range for residents to enjoy today and in the future.  Further, mining impacts our water and air quality which are vital to the health of our community.”

This is a developing story and will be updated. 

Read more:

• Proposed limestone mine in Parleys Canyon getting tremendous pushback

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