BLM to release the FEIS for the expansion of the Coeur Rochester and Packard Mines POA11 Project
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Winnemucca, Nev. – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has prepared a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) to analyze and disclose environmental impacts associated with the proposed mine expansion of the Coeur Rochester and Packard Mines. The mines are located 26 miles northeast of Lovelock in Pershing County, Nevada.
The FEIS analyzes environmental impacts associated with a proposal by Coeur Rochester, Inc. to expand the existing Rochester and Packard mines, which it has operated since 1986. The project would extend the life of the mines through 2033, continuing the employment of the 302 current employees. An average of 58 temporary jobs would be added during the two years the expansion will be under construction.
Proposed changes include expanding mining in both current pits (the Rochester and Packard pits) and moving, relocating or expanding heap leach pads, waste rock dumps, haul roads, access roads, and water pipeline and processing facilities.
Coeur Rochester, Inc. is currently authorized to disturb up to 2203.1 acres (approximately 164.6 acres of private land and 2038.5 acres of public land). The proposal would increase disturbance by an additional 2,815.4 acres (435.2 acres on private land and 2380.2 acres on public land).
Mining of the Rochester Pit will extend below groundwater, resulting in a permanent pit lake after closure. Additional potentially acid generating material would be excavated and would be processed as ore or stored according to their Waste Rock Storage Plan. The plan would also necessitate an upgrade in power distribution lines and a substation. With the proposed expansion, mine life would be extended to 2033, and would be followed by mine closure and reclamation.
Maps and other planning documents associated with the project may be accessed on the project website at https://go.usa.gov/xPdjC. For additional information, please contact, Kathleen Rehberg, Project Lead, at the BLM Winnemucca District Office, 5100 E. Winnemucca Blvd, 775-623-1500.
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.