Mealey's (January 10, 2018, 11:48 AM EST) -- LAS CRUCES, N.M. — A New Mexico judge presiding over the Lower Rio Grande Adjudication on Dec. 28 ruled that water rights claimed by a copper-mining corporation and two individuals were extinguished because under state law, no water has been put to beneficial use for 36 years (State of New Mexico, et al. v. Elephant Butte Irrigation District, et al., No. CV-96-888, Subfiles No. 307-OA-9703126, No. 307-OA-9702236, No. 307-OA-9702237, N.M. Dist., Dona Ana Co.)....