Silica Sand Mine Approved By DNR

NexGen Silica’s sand mine operation in western Ste. Genevieve County has been approved today (Wednesday, June 30) by the Missouri Mining Commission, a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, despite heavy opposition from residents who live in the area.

The mining commission issued a one-year permit to NexGen to immediately engage in surface mining of sandstone of approximately 115 acres along Missouri Highway 32 in the vicinity of Weingarten and New Offenburg.

The mining operation brought heated opposition from local citizens who live around the area, including groups such as Operation Sand and Friends of Hawn, who both state the mine is likely to bring health issues to all residents in and around the county, damage the land and water for miles beyond the region, and disrupt their quiet country-living lifestyle.