Unlike lead and mercury, molybdenum is a safe, naturally occurring essential element found in everything from the food we eat to our very own bodies. Essential means that it is necessary for life. In fact, molybdenum is a key ingredient in daily supplements and pre-natal vitamins. States like Oregon and Washington have already taken steps to de-list molybdenum from lists of chemicals of concern.

Climax Molybdenum is a committed and responsible community partner. The mineral molybdenum is an essential element found naturally in our bodies and the food we eat. Although some molybdenum runs off into water sources during the mining process, there is no evidence that this has caused any harm to the people who drink the water. In fact, there has never been a documented case of sickness in Colorado due to molybdenum levels in water. In spite of this reality, Climax consistently conducts voluntary water testing to monitor molybdenum levels in water and makes the data collected by water testing researchers available to surrounding communities and the public.

Colorado has been considering an appropriate water quality standard for molybdenum for more than 30 years. During that time, the state has adopted two human health-based water quality standards, both of which were based on obsolete science. The current standard of 210 μg/l, adopted in 2010, is based on a 1990 graduate thesis that has significant shortcomings and has not been able to be replicated. Current published, peer-reviewed research supports a standard of 9,000 μg/l. EPA Region 8 career scientists have stated that a standard of 10,000 μg/l is protective and consistent with Clean Water Act requirements.

Colorado has been considering a scientifically-appropriate water quality standard for molybdenum for more than 30 years. During that time, the state has adopted two human health-based water quality standards, both of which were based on obsolete science.

The first standard, adopted in 2007, was based on a 1960s-era Armenian study that has since been discredited. The current standard of 210 μg/l, adopted in 2010, is based on a 1990 graduate thesis that has significant shortcomings and its results have not been able to be replicated.

New research supports a standard of 9,000 μg/l which is still below Region 8 career scientists’ conclusion that a standard of 10,000 μg/l would be protective and meet the requirements of the Clean Water Act. Recognizing that there was significant uncertainty associated with the current standard, including the 1990 graduate thesis that it is based on, Colorado’s Water Quality Control Commission unanimously granted Climax an extension to 2020 to continue to operate under “current conditions.” Though there are always operational variations in molybdenum levels, the Climax Mine operates well under the science-based recommended 9,000 μg/l standard.

The research conducted by the International Molybdenum Association (IMOA) was done in accordance with internationally accepted protocols. It was conducted by USA-based life sciences facilities and assessed the effects of molybdenum exposure through dietary, pre-natal, and multi-generational studies. All three studies were published and independently peer reviewed.

EPA toxicologists, Colorado regulators and stakeholders were informed about the progress of IMOA’s studies by Climax via numerous meetings, hearings, and written updates. Upon completion in 2017, the new IMOA science was used as the basis of a revised human health-based quality standard proposed by Climax.

Climax Molybdenum has a long-term history of acting as a responsible community partner. In addition to employing hundreds of Coloradans in mountain communities, the company has invested more than $10 million to local projects in the last five years alone. This includes projects related to education and training, economic development, environmental stewardship, community safety and health, and preservation of culture and the arts. For example, Climax provides STEM grants to schools and teachers, helping them create richer science and math learning experiences in the classroom, awards scholarships to local students, and offers free entrepreneurship training to women across the state through a unique online learning platform called DreamBuilder – The Women’s Business Creator. Perhaps more important than investing funds, the company values and places a premium on input from local residents and the opportunity for an active dialogue that forges the kind of partnership critical for meaningful investments, and strong communities.  With a record of more than a decade of formal and informal engagement that actively cultivates citizen participation, we continuously work to identify ways to further empower communities that can chart their own course toward sustainability.

Climax Molybdenum has won international awards for its environmental and reclamation work. This includes the Robinson Tailings Reclamation project, revitalizing the Tenmile Creek fishery, and the voluntary multi-million dollar upgrade to the site’s water treatment system. Additionally, in recognition of its achievements in community engagement, Freeport-McMoRan was named to the Civic 50 list of America’s most community-minded corporations for five years running, and first in the materials sector for three years– an award in which Climax Molybdenum was a significant contributor. The Civic 50 is based on analysis of corporate sector best practices and impact by leading academics, providing a framework for good corporate citizenship and showcasing how companies can use their time, skills and other resources to improve the quality of life in their communities.