There is new activity at the Santa Elena mine site. For the past year - since March 2022- no changes occurred that were discernible via the low res Sentinel II imagery. In late March/early April 2023 I noted new excavation, lighter toned earth on the darker background of desert scrub. Some of the new work was along existing haul roads but not on the "Wishbone" . Also no change on the dry leach pad, still dry and white, or the two ponds, still solid black which I interpret as empty black vinyl liner. Nothing in the new work resembles the traditional look of a drill pad.
I would caution that until the company wishes to describe the work we won't know what it represents. It may not relate to mining at all. It could be remediation mandated by the Mexican EPA. It could be some locals joy riding or even industrial vandalism using equipment on site.
I have emailed the company three times without response or bounced massage. I have called and left voicemail without response. I wanted to let company comment on what I observe before going wider with this info. My guess would be it's environmental repair and remediation. The CEO seems tied up with the new gold dredging boat versus the existing mine at this time. Hope to get the name of the vessel in order to follow it on Vessel Traffic.
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Note the several lighter toned areas east of the Wishbone and east of the ponds in this comparative with older, March 28th 2023 on the left and newer, May 6, 2023, on the right. Also new work just below and left of center on the May 6th image. All of this is "amateur" interpretation. Lighting, time of day, prior rain, satellite sub point and look angle can affect the image.
I would caution that until the company wishes to describe the work we won't know what it represents. It may not relate to mining at all. It could be remediation mandated by the Mexican EPA. It could be some locals joy riding or even industrial vandalism using equipment on site.
I have emailed the company three times without response or bounced massage. I have called and left voicemail without response. I wanted to let company comment on what I observe before going wider with this info. My guess would be it's environmental repair and remediation. The CEO seems tied up with the new gold dredging boat versus the existing mine at this time. Hope to get the name of the vessel in order to follow it on Vessel Traffic.
Note the several lighter toned areas east of the Wishbone and east of the ponds in this comparative with older, March 28th 2023 on the left and newer, May 6, 2023, on the right. Also new work just below and left of center on the May 6th image. All of this is "amateur" interpretation. Lighting, time of day, prior rain, satellite sub point and look angle can affect the image.
