UNION — Citizens Against Residential Mining Activity (CARMA) hosted a community forum at the Masonic Lodge in Union to address questions on Canadian company Exiro Minerals Corp.’s  acquisition of mineral exploration rights on property near and sloping toward Crawford Pond and its expression of interest in acquiring such rights on additional properties.

Warren resident Pen Williamson moderated a panel that included four speakers, Representative Bill Pluecker, I-Warren; Jan Morrill, a mining tailings expert for Earthworks; Nickie Sekera, co-founder of Community Water Justice; and Aga Dixon, a  partner at the legal firm Drummond Woodsum and counsel for CARMA.

According to a news release issued by CARMA,  an estimated 250 people attended live and more than 80 attended remotely.

“The questions and statements by attendees reflected overwhelming opposition to metals exploration and mining in Union and Warren,” the release said.

“Exiro has seriously underestimated the passionate opposition of the Warren and Union communities,” said CARMA spokesperson Arleigh Kraus. “We will not be lulled into complacency while Exiro and other mining companies ravage the resources of our residential communities and then head back to Canada.”

A video of the event can be found here: youtube.com/watch?v=v02KkHWLt1Y