EPA Warns Dewey-Humboldt Residents To Stay Away From The Iron King Mine Tailings Pile And Humboldt Smelter

The Environmental Protection Agency is warning residents in Dewey-Humboldt to stay away from the Iron King Mine tailings pile and Humboldt smelter. The EPA says they were recently alerted that people, many of them children, are playing in and around the mine’s tailings pile west of Highway 69 and the smelter property east of Main Street. The smelter stack and nearby building is considered unsafe and unstable. Anyone who is near these structures are in danger of severe injury or even death, should they collapse. Both the smelter and tailing pile pose many dangerous fall hazards, as well as chemical hazards from toxic metals that could pose a health risk. The EPA reminds residents to heed to posted warnings and stay out of the properties. If anyone sees adults or children on the property, contact the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Officer at (928) 771-3260.