Overview The Wellton Material Source, operated by Gutierrez Canales Engineering, P.C. (GCE), is seeking approval for a Reclamation and Closure Plan for an aggregate mining and processing site located at 34488 E. County 5th Street in Wellton, Yuma County This facility will continue to serve as a vital supply of aggregate materials—including screening, crushing, and stockpiling operations—for construction and commercial use
This reclamation plan is a required component under the Arizona Aggregate Mined Lands Act (A.R.S. § 27-1201 et seq.) and outlines the specific measures to ensure the 156-acre site is returned to a safe, stable, and sustainable condition once operations conclude
Mining at this location, which has a history dating back to the 1970s, is estimated to remove up to 1.38 million cubic yards of material over a projected 20-year period ending in 2046.
Key Details
Yuma County Assessor Parcel: 186-06-006.
Mine Size: The site encompasses 156 acres. The proposed final disturbance area will include approximately 103.3 acres for mining and 22.9 acres for processing and stockpiling.
Location: Located at 34488 E. County 5th Street in Wellton, Yuma County, Arizona. Existing access to the site is provided via E. County 5th Street and Canal Road.
Land Status: Privately owned land held by the Mark R. Kelland and Marisol A. Kelland Trust.
Current Land Use: Onsite use currently consists of aggregate mining, processing, and open space.
Biological Setting: The site is situated within the lower Colorado subdivision of the Sonoran Desert, dominated by sparse creosotebush. Wildlife managed in this area includes bighorn sheep, mule deer, dove, and quail.
Planned Activities: Operations include the excavation, screening, crushing, stockpiling, loading, and hauling of aggregate material. The process utilizes a crusher, screen, and other mobile production equipment.
Timeline: Mining is scheduled to recommence in 2026 and is estimated to continue for 20 years, until approximately 2046.
Surrounding Area: Nearby land uses include open space and agricultural operations. The closest residential structure is located approximately 0.25 miles to the southeast of the nearest proposed excavation area.
Reclamation Plan for Review In accordance with A.R.S. § 27-1271(B)(13), this serves as official notice that a proposed Mine Reclamation and Closure Plan has been submitted to the Arizona State Mine Inspector’s Office. Arizona law requires this notification be provided to residential property owners located within a one-half mile radius of the aggregate mining operation. This plan is a mandatory component of the state’s regulatory framework to ensure all aggregate mine sites are professionally closed and restored once mining activities are complete.
ASMI will review the plan for technical accuracy and completenes.
Plan will be sent to qualified engineers who are experts in the field of mine reclamation and they will perform a technical review on the plan.
Once all comments from the qualified engineers are addressed as part of the technical review, a public meeting will be scheduled by ASMI, where technical comments will be taken from the public in consideration of the plan.
If all requirements are met, the plan will be approved and the reclamation plan will become a requirement for the mine once it is no longer feasible for mining.
The Arizona State Mine Inspector will provide public notice of the meeting in accordance with Arizona State Law.
