Barbara H. Peterson on May 4th, 2011

Mining companies are buying up ranches left and right, just to get the water rights. Then all they have to do is get a permit to change the use from irrigation to mining. Once appropriated, the water rights are not available for any other development, even if the mine never opens, unless the mine is willing to sell the water rights.

Continue reading about Is a mining company giving the shaft to farmers and ranchers?