Leaders of the Hopi Tribe and the Navajo Nation fear the shutdown of the Peabody coal mines will hurt their economies.

The Hopi Tribe receives about $7.7 million a year from the mines out of an operating budget is about $22 million. The Navajo Nation receives about $25 million a year out of $529 million budget. The mines also provide jobs to tribal members.

But the operation may shut down as early as next year. The tribes are trying to find ways to keep the mines open while disputes over water use are resolved. Also, the generating station that buys coal from Peabody may shut down because it hasn't installed pollution equipment.

Get the Story:
Black Mesa coal mine threatened by disputes (AP 8/17)

Relevant Links:
Navajo Nation - http://www.navajo.org
Hopi Tribe - http://www.hopi.nsn.us
Peabody Energy - http://www.peabodyenergy.com

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