PRESCOTT, Ariz.— The Center for Biological Diversity today notified several foreign-owned mining businesses that their mining operations in the Bradshaw Mountains south of Prescott are potentially occurring in violation of the Endangered Species Act.

The letter notes that in the past few months mining activities have resulted in the logging of high-quality, mixed conifer forest, excavating land and operating mining haul trucks during breeding season within and around high-value breeding and foraging habitat for the federally threatened Mexican spotted owl. The mining companies’ activities are occurring very close to several Mexican spotted owl “Protected Area Centers,” which have the highest level of management protection to safeguard nesting owls.

As today’s formal legal notice explains, disrupting the imperiled owls during the breeding season and damaging their habitat is prohibited by the Endangered Species Act without an incidental take permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

“I’m deeply concerned about these upstart mining operations harassing Mexican spotted owls during breeding season and destroying some of their best habitat in central Arizona,” said Brett Hartl at the Center for Biological Diversity. “Our notice letter probes whether these mining operations are complying with the Endangered Species Act. We’re skeptical.”

The mining operations, located on private land along the historic Senator Highway, ramped up in recent months, prompting concern from nearby residents. More than 30,000 people have signed a petition opposing the mine, which may eventually expand onto adjacent public lands where the companies appear to have filed new mining claims.

The mining operations are also occurring very close to the headwaters of the Hassayampa River. This is one of Arizona’s most biologically important riparian areas and it provides habitat for endangered species like the yellow-billed cuckoo.

The Center will evaluate any decision on whether to bring litigation based on the mining companies’ response to today’s notice letter and whether the companies seek out federal permits from the Fish and Wildlife Service as required by the Endangered Species Act.