BLM extends comment period for mine permitting metrics

The Bureau of Land Management is extending the public comment period on its recently proposed Mining Performance Metrics for 45 days, in response to requests from industry and members of Congress. The public comment period on the proposal will now end on April 29, 2024. 

The BLM’s mining performance metrics fulfill Congressional direction from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). The three proposed new metrics are informed by the agency’s expertise implementing projects on the ground and insights from the Interagency Working Group on Mining Laws, Regulations, and Permitting, which released its final report on improving mining on public lands late last year. BLM is also developing performance metrics to assess engagement with and outcomes for Tribes and communities that may be affected by mining projects. 

These metrics will help identify process improvements and drive better coordination and cooperation across different levels of government, while allowing the BLM and industry to better provide early and meaningful engagement on mining proposals with potentially affected Tribes and nearby communities. 

Comments on the metrics can be submitted to MiningPerformanceMetric@blm.gov.