The Colorado Mining Association awarded Ouray Silver Mining Inc, owned by Aurcana Corporation, its Hardrock Best of the Best Environmental Sustainability Award for 2018. The award promotes sustainable practices and builds positive public perceptions of the modern mining industry by providing the opportunity for mining operators to demonstrate their proactive commitment and approaches to environmental sustainability.
Ouray Silver worked to solve a materials handling challenge by identifying a beneficial reuse for waste rock and tailings generated by its mining operations. With approval of the State of Colorado, the company donates waste rock and tailings to Ouray County and the U.S. Forest Service for road base and compacted fill materials along County Road 361, which provides access to the Yankee Boy Basin and Imogene Pass to Telluride. The ability to mix tailings and waste rock that can be reused reduces tailing impoundments by 30% over the life of the mine.
