The Patagonia Area Resource Alliance (PARA) formed in 2011 in response to renewed mining interest in the Patagonia Mountains. PARA strives to educate and engage the community in Patagonia, AZ and surrounding areas about the risks and realities of 21st century mining and to promote local sustainable economies. Crucially, PARA holds federal and state agencies accountable to environmental laws and regulations through legal action. The Patagonia region has a rich cultural heritage that includes ranching, farming, ecotourism and a diverse arts community. PARA supports sustainable development that enhances economic opportunities and community wellbeing while protecting and restoring the natural environment. They also aim to prevent environmental degradation caused by industrial mining in order to preserve public lands, water and air quality, and the richness of local flora and fauna. The Patagonia Mountains host over 100 endangered, threatened and sensitive species. The region has been identified by scientists as a global biodiversity hotspot, one of a handful remaining on the planet, and most in need of study and protection. PARA feels strongly there are some places that simply should NOT be mined.
PARA works with a dozen or more volunteers, and engages with local businesses, organizations and nonprofits to protect water, land and wildlife from the negative impacts of industrialized mining. Patagonia, AZ is on the forefront of the negative impacts of the clean energy transition. The massive Hermosa Project is the country’s first hardrock mine to receive FAST-41 status, an expedited permitting scheme for infrastructure projects. PARA intends to ensure the best possible outcome for this process for Eastern Santa Cruz County residents, both human and non-human. To date, they have held up every permit needed by the Hermosa Project to operate, and they will continue to ensure the law is followed.
PARA also works to ensure that mining activities meet the highest science-based standards of protection of the region’s natural assets, and supports expanding the nature-based restorative economy that depends on the region’s biodiversity and cultural heritage.