The Calabasas Alliance was formed in 2023 by a group of concerned residents from Santa Cruz County, Arizona, to oppose plans by an Australian mining company to extract manganese, lead, silver, and zinc from the Sky Islands, a mountain range in the southeastern part of the state. This uniquely biodiverse ecosystem is home to endangered species, including the only remaining jaguars in the US. Residents fear that the mining will threaten nature and public health if approved by the federal government, particularly due to toxic substances and the excessive use of already scarce groundwater. To address these concerns, the organization raises awareness through educational activities such as community meetings and expert-led discussions. By fostering dialogue, the Calabasas Alliance aims to promote sustainable economic growth while preserving the local environment and safeguarding the health and well-being of residents. “We cannot mine our way to a greener future,” says president Robin Lucky.
Residents of Santa Cruz meet to learn from experts about mining threats to the local water resources. Photo: Calabasas Alliance
The organization operates on an all-volunteer basis, with about eight active members directly engaged in their activities, reflecting the diverse demographics of Santa Cruz, including youth, Hispanic residents, and elderly retirees. Among its outreach initiatives, Calabasas Alliance promotes community meetings and events featuring experts discussing mining’s impacts on natural resources, human health, and water availability. They also carry out a program called “Air Smart” in partnership with the University of Arizona, which has installed $100,000 worth of air quality monitoring equipment across the county to gather baseline data on particulate matter levels and assess mining-related air pollution. Additionally, Calabasas Alliance encourages youth education by awarding scholarships to local high school students pursuing environmental sciences or medicine. Through these efforts, the organization helps protect and preserve the natural resources and the residents of Santa Cruz County.