BLM Alaska Releases Guidance for Reclamation of Placer-Mined Streams

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Alaska is providing guidance establishing clear and consistent standards for rehabilitating placer-mined streams on public lands managed by the BLM.

This guidance is intended to assist the placer mining industry comply with national reclamation regulations and policies. In addition, it requires that mining operations are adequately bonded thus ensuring the public does not bear reclamation cost of streams mined on BLM-managed public lands. Implementation of the guidance will be phased in over the next two years. The BLM is working with the State of Alaska to ensure miners continued access to the State of Alaska bond pool.

“The new guidance will help placer miners meet standards aimed at ensuring clean water,” said Steve Cohn, BLM Alaska’s Deputy State Director for Resources. “Working with industry, state government, and all stakeholders, our agency will fulfill its stewardship responsibilities in managing public land uses and resources."

The BLM is actively coordinating with the placer mining industry, the Alaska Miners Association, the State of Alaska Department of Natural Resources, and other partners to provide guidance and technical assistance to help miners with compliance. Miners who may be starting new operations or expanding existing operations are encouraged to contact BLM mining compliance staff to learn more about how this guidance may affect their operations. Additional information about this reclamation guidance can be found at http://www.blm.gov/ak/st/en/prog/minerals.html.