A multi-organizational effort to restore two old mine sites at Governor Basin and protect the surrounding environment is underway, with the Environmental Protection Agency, Uncompahgre Watershed Partnership, Ouray Silver Mines and Trout Unlimited aiming for a 2023 construction window.

The site, located about 10 miles southwest of Ouray, is home to the remnants of the abandoned Virginius and Terrible mines. While they were likely only in use for a 20-year period more than half a century ago, the w...