BLM publishes Robinson Mine expansion final environmental impact statement
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ELY, Nev. The Bureau of Land Management Ely District has prepared and published a final environmental impact statement (FEIS) analyzing a proposal to expand the Robinson Mine located on private and public lands about seven miles west of Ely, Nevada. The publication of the Notice of Availability in the Federal Register today at https://go.usa.gov/xFQxS initiates a 30-day availability period that concludes September 7, 2021.
KGHM Robinson Nevada Mining Company is proposing to amend the Robinson Project Plan of Operations. The FEIS analyzes the proposal and alternatives to extend the mine life approximately four additional years beyond its currently anticipated permanent closure in 2024. To accomplish this, the company is proposing renewed mining in the eastern portions of its privately-owned Liberty Pit and a BLM authorization to access and develop two specific areas of nearby BLM-administered land on which to dispose newly generated waste rock. Additionally, KGHM Robinson is seeking access to private and public lands adjacent to its existing Giroux Wash Tailings Storage Facility to a) obtain soil material to use in increasing the height of the Giroux Wash main impoundment and the surrounding perimeter dams, and b) to serve as growth media (e.g., topsoil) storage areas to be used in future reclamation of areas of mining-related surface disturbance. The FEIS identifies the agency preferred alternative.
This FEIS follows publication of a draft environmental impact statement on Dec. 4, 2020, which began a 45-day public comment period. A Zoom virtual public meeting was held on Jan. 6, 2021. Responses to comments that were received during the public scoping and comment process have been incorporated into the FEIS.
Maps and other planning documents are available online at https://go.usa.gov/xvYad. For more information or questions, contact BLM Project Manager Tiera Arbogast at 775-293-5042 or tarbogast@blm.gov.
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.