BLM Seeks Nominations for Reclamation and Sustainable Mining Awards

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Bureau of Land Management

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The Bureau of Land Management is seeking nominations for the 2018 Reclamation and Sustainable Mineral Development Awards.  These awards recognize those initiatives to foster sustainable development, which encourages environmental health, social responsibility and economic security.

“Every year at this time, the BLM recognizes and thanks those within the mineral resource community who have demonstrated their commitment to responsible development,” said Brian Steed, BLM Deputy Director for Policy and Programs.  “The BLM strives to be a good neighbor in the communities we serve, and we appreciate those who share this commitment.” 

Awards are presented through one of five categories.  These include the Hardrock Mineral Environmental Award, the Hardrock Mineral Community Outreach and Economic Security Award, the Hardrock Mineral Small Operator Award, the Hardrock Mineral Director’s Award and the “Fix a Shaft Today!” Award.

The Hardrock Mineral Environmental Award recognizes achievements demonstrating continuous or repeated efforts to successfully meet or exceed federal, state or local reclamation requirements with minimal oversight.

The Hardrock Mineral Community Outreach and Economic Security Award recognizes the successful coordination of projects with local and regional stakeholders, including those projects that contribute to the quality of life or demonstrate concern for the long-term health of the local community.

The Hardrock Mineral Small Operator Award recognizes operators or organizations, with 15 employees or fewer, who have demonstrated continuous or repeated efforts to successfully meet or exceed federal, state or local reclamation requirements with minimal oversight.

The Hardrock Mineral Director’s Award is presented to a single operator, one whose dedication has resulted in the use of a new or innovative design or technique that allows or enhances successful operations in technically challenging conditions.

The “Fix a Shaft Today!” Award recognizes active participation in the FAST! Campaign, a partnership initiative aimed at eliminating unsafe abandoned mine land features including open mine shafts.  Individuals, as well as organizations, are eligible for this award.

Nominations should be submitted to the BLM State Office having jurisdiction of the public lands where the operation or project is located. Addresses can be found on the awards program brochure: https://go.usa.gov/xnuBZ. This brochure offers detailed information on the nomination and selection process, as well as state contact information.

The deadline for submissions is April 30, 2018.  Awards will be presented this fall.


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.