ALAMOSA, Colo.—Citizens groups that had sued to block drilling on the Baca National Wildlife Refuge in southern Colorado say they are now focusing on efforts to buy out a company’s rights to the minerals under the refuge.
Lexam VG Gold Inc. owns the mineral rights but has no permits or pending applications for permits to drill on the refuge. Federal court documents filed Friday in a stipulation to a settlement agreement said the company would notify citizens groups if it does file an application. It also promised not to disturb any ground for at least 120 days after it files an application.
Lexam has said it’s interested in selling the mineral rights. The San Luis Valley Ecosystem Council said Monday that its members hope a buyout can come together.
