BLM seeks input on proposed Caldwell Canyon Phosphate Mine
SODA SPRINGS, Idaho—The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public input on the draft environmental analysis for the Caldwell Canyon Phosphate Mine proposed mine and reclamation plan revision. The proposal would allow for continued open pit surface mining and concurrent reclamation across private and federal lands in southeastern Idaho. Minerals, such as phosphate, are vital to the U.S. economy, national security, and clean energy technology.
Under the proposed plan, P4 Production, LLC would develop several phosphate leases on Schmid Ridge, about 14 miles northeast of Soda Springs, impacting approximately 1,830 acres of public and private lands. If approved, this project is expected to sustain 800 jobs and generate an estimated $80 to $120 million in Federal and state royalties over the course of the project. Roughly 25% of domestically-produced phosphate is mined in southeastern Idaho, supporting the national demand for phosphate-based agricultural products.
In June 2023, a U.S. District Court vacated the 2019 Final Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision for the original Caldwell Canyon Mine Project. P4 Production, LLC submitted the Caldwell Canyon Revised Mining and Reclamation Plan in September 2023.
The public can submit comments on the draft environmental impact statement until Feb. 3, 2025, by any of the following methods: the “Participate Now” option at the BLM National NEPA Register (preferred); delivered to Caldwell Canyon Mine EIS, C/O Stantec Consulting Services Inc., 2890 E. Cottonwood Parkway, Ste 300, Salt Lake City, UT 84121; or emailed to BLM_ID_CaldwellRevisedMRP_EIS@blm.gov. Please add “Attention: Caldwell Canyon Mine” on all documents.
The BLM will also host a virtual public meeting on the project, set for Jan. 8, 2025, from 6-7 p.m. Please register at https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2026858/510, and contact us if you need reasonable accommodations to participate.
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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.