Why Ste. Genevieve County residents are battling to stop a silica mine

Residents of Ste. Genevieve County are bracing themselves for a long fight.

Next week, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources is expected to issue an industrial mineral permit for a 249-acre silica mine near homes and conservation areas, including Hawn State Park. The permit is the first of three NexGen Silica needs to begin mining. But so far, the project has faced intense opposition from local residents.

“The only people in this town that are for this mine are the ones that are getting their pockets lined,” observed Chris Eckenfels, a lifelong county resident. Eckenfels’ family lives 3,000 feet from the proposed mine.

“We have to stay here,” he said. “This is our permanent home. We can’t just pack up and leave.”

A new company fronted by Missouri businessmen, NexGen Silica made financial agreements with six landowners to create the mine.