Federal Investigation Urged over BHP Navajo Mine Transaction to Navajo Nation
By Dine' CARE
Censored News
DILKON, Arizona – On behalf of all Diné people, Diné Citizens Against Ruining our Environment (Diné C.A.R.E.) sent a letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior's Deputy Inspector General, Mary Kendall on December 12, 2013, requesting an investigation into the Bureau of Indian Affair's (BIA) involvement and lack of oversight in the BHP Navajo Mine transaction.
Navajo Nation’s potential acquisition of BHP Navajo Mine has rapidly progressed without public scrutiny or input, and resulted in the Navajo Nation waiving BHP Billiton of all past, present and future liabilities. The Navajo Mine ownership transfer requires BIA’s approval for completion, “no lease or interest therein or the use of such lease shall be assigned, sublet, or transferred, directly or indirectly, by working or drilling contract, or otherwise, without the consent of the Secretary.” 25 C.F.R. § 211.53(b). This approval process serves the Navajo Nation to “maximize [the Nation’s] best economic interests and minimizes any environmental impacts or cultural impacts.” 25 C.F.R. §211.1