BLM issues decision for the Murdock Mountain Phosphate Exploration Project
ELKO, Nev. – The Bureau of Land Management has issued a final decision approving the Murdock Mountain Phosphate Exploration Project in Elko County. Under the proposal, Nevada Organic Phosphate will assess phosphate mining potential across a 1,575-acre project area, creating roughly 9 acres of new surface disturbance on public lands.
The approved exploration project includes construction of 26 drill sites, 23 trenches, and new access roads. Exploratory drilling is planned for depths up to 70 meters below the surface. This phosphate bed is part of the Permian Phosphoria Formation, which hosts most of the active phosphate mines in the western U.S. Any future proposed development of the area will require additional analysis and public review under the National Environmental Policy Act.
According to the U.S. Geological survey, most phosphorus is consumed as a principal component of nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium fertilizers used on food crops throughout the world. The United States is the world's leading producer and consumer of phosphate rock, which is used to manufacture phosphate fertilizers and industrial products.
The final Environmental Assessment, Finding of No Significant Impact, and Decision Record are available at the BLM National NEPA Register. For more information, please call Aili Gordon at agordon@blm.gov or 775-753-0200.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.